Bruno Fernandes shone as Manchester United defeated Crystal Palaceplaceholder image
Bruno Fernandes shone as Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace | MUTV
Man Utd came from behind to beat Crystal Palace in the Premier League over the weekend.
United looked on course for another dismal away day after a terrible first-half performance, but turned the game around thanks to two set-piece goals after the break. Joshua Zirkzee scored his first United goal in seven months to draw his side level, before Mason Mount netted only his second goal of the season to give Ruben Amorim's side the win.
Things got even better for United in the closing stages of the match, when Lisandro Martinez featured from the bench, almost 10 months since his last appearance for the club. The Argentine replaced Luke Shaw in the 82nd minute and helped United see out a precious three points ahead of a busy festive fixture schedule.
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Martinez makes United injury return
Lisandro Martinez has had to wait his time to make his Manchester United comeback after he suffered a serious knee injury against Crystal Palace in February. The Argentine returned to full training over a month ago, but Ruben Amorim did not want to rush him back into action until he was deemed fully match fit.
He has suffered four major injuries during his time at Old Trafford and has made just 53 league starts since he arrived three years ago. He was eager to play in the previous three matches against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, but the club's medical department decided he needed longer to build up his fitness levels.
Martinez managed roughly 12 minutes of action at Selhurst Park, when you consider added time, and can expect a longer run out from the bench against West Ham on Thursday night. The 27-year-old should then be in contention to start matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa later in the month if required.
Speaking after the Palace win, United captain Bruno Fernandes piled the praise on his popular teammate and revealed just how big a boost it was for his side to have him back. “Obviously, it’s very important to have him back," Fernandes told MUTV. "He was out for such a long time, and even for himself, it’s a big moment. It’s great for him to be back with the team and to feel what it’s like to play games again.
"We know how much he struggled being out and not being able to play for us. Now he’s back—one more option for us, adding such big quality to the team—so we’re very, very happy about it.”
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