Manchester United’s comfortable 3-0 win over West Ham United was only dampened by the fact that Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury scare.
The fan-favourite is undoubtedly one of the side’s most influential players and his presence on the pitch seems to make everyone – including those watching – a lot more comfortable.
That’s why his absence over the past four months played a significant part in United’s tumultuous period of results and form; in September, he suffered a re-aggravation of the metatarsal injury that saw his maiden Old Trafford campaign end prematurely as he was made to undergo a second surgery.
Martinez only returned to action on January 14 and now, just three weeks later, he was forced off with a knee complaint after colliding with West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal this afternoon.
He immediately signalled for medical attention and after receiving treatment, was able to carry on briefly for a few minutes before going down again, this time looking dejected as he lay with his arms covering his face.
This doesn't look good for Man United!
Having only just returned from injury Lisandro Martinez has his head in his hands and hobbles off due to injury. 🇦🇷🔪#beINPL #MUNWHU #MUFC #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/adjzWSBt50
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) February 4, 2024
In the 70th minute, the 26-year-old was replaced by Raphael Varane, walking gingerly off the pitch and heading straight down the tunnel.
Ten Hag’s immediate verdict on Martinez
Erik ten Hag provided a damning verdict post-match on his stalwart defender’s condition, telling reporters (via Shamoon Hafez): “[He] doesn’t look well. Very bad for him, very bad for the team.”
