Manchester United welcomed back Lisandro Martinez on Sunday afternoon against Crystal Palace after a nine-month absence.
Ruben Amorim’s defence has just been handed a significant boost ahead of the busy period through December with the return of Lisandro Martinez this past weekend.
It was a long process for the Manchester United number six, but finally, he is back from his ACL injury, poetically returning against the opposition he was first ruled out against.
Argentine press were thrilled to see Martinez’s return, and he looked solid immediately, winning a few duels and getting valuable minutes on his return.
Afterwards, Martinez sent a message.
Lisandro Martinez about to replace Luke Shaw for Manchester United.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Lisandro Martinez sends heartfelt message after Manchester United return
Taking to his Instagram this week, Martinez sent a message reacting to his own return, and in the replies were replies from various teammates and footballing personalities.
Rio Ferdinand commented: “Bienvenido”, meaning ‘Welcome’.
Joshua Zirkzee wrote: “Welcome back!” along with a heart emoji.
Emiliano Martinez added two heart emojis.
David de Gea wrote: “He’s back”, with a butcher’s knife emoji.
Nahuel Molina replied: “Come on, lil bro”, adding, “A chokehold” and laughing faces.
Spurs’ Cristian Romero added: “Of course Richarrr, I missed you around”, with heart emojis.
Rodrigo de Paul commented: “We were waiting for you, beautiful butcher”.
Ethan Wheatley said: “Love to see it”.
Juan Pablo Sorin wrote: “Vamoooo”, with an Argentine flag and fist emoji.
Such a wide response to Martinez’s return showcases how beloved he is by his teammates and those who know him.
Should Lisandro Martinez be an automatic starter for Man Utd? Whose place does he take?
Lisandro Martinez in the gym
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Immediately after the game, Bruno Fernandes reacted to Martinez’s return, highlighting the importance of the Argentinian defender.
More United News
Should Lisandro Martinez start against West Ham?
For once, Manchester United have a mid-week game, and it will require Ruben Amorim to make a few changes within his line-up.
Are you confident Manchester United will beat West Ham?
Kobbie Mainoo should start, while we might also see the return of Lisandro Martinez to the starting line-up.
This would be an interesting move, and Amorim could then be tempted to give Luke Shaw a chance at left-wing-back.
Of course, there is risk to this, and Amorim will be better positioned to judge how many minutes Martinez is ready to play, but with fixtures congesting, it would be the ideal time to give him a start.