Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez faces a “difficult moment” after being stretchered off against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, manager Ruben Amorim says.
Argentina international Martinez, who missed more than six months of the 2023/24 campaign, clutched his knee in apparent agony during a lengthy delay late in United’s 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
“We are going to see in the next days but I think it is a serious situation,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “He felt it and when you are a player, you know when it is something serious.
“He is not only a great player but a strong character in the dressing room. We are here to help him in this difficult moment, like he has helped us.”
“I think it’s a serious situation”
Ruben Amorim on Lisandro Martinez’s injury. pic.twitter.com/YFuBiHwGlL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 2, 2025
Lisandro Martinez injuries
Martinez has endured a series of problems since arriving for an initial £48.5 million from Ajax in July 2022, including a metatarsal fracture at the end of his first season with United.
The 27-year-old missed almost three months from mid-September 2023 with a foot injury, returning for a month before a knee issue kept him out for two months.
He also sat out six matches at the end of former manager Erik ten Hag’s final full campaign with a calf strain, returning to play 32 times this season.
Amorim did not select Martinez in two of his first three matchday squads after arriving from Sporting in November, but he has been an almost ever-present starter since then.
Our hearts break for you, Licha 💔
We’ll be with you during your recovery and know you’ll be back stronger.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/1DjF5QtwgZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 2, 2025
Man United results ‘hard’
United’s miserable league season continued as they were beaten at home by Palace for a second successive season courtesy of two Jean-Philippe Mateta goals.
“The result is really bad,” Amorim said after overseeing a fifth defeat in six home league games that has left United 13th. “The performance was a little bit better than the last games.
“We controlled the transitions quite well. We suffered two goals that we can avoid and the injury on Lisandro Martinez was tough for the team.
“It’s normal for the fans to feel negative. It is a hard season for them but football can change in certain moments. Better things will come.”