08 February 2024 , 15:42
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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has defended his decision to keep Lisandro Martinez on the pitch after he went down injured against West Ham.
Martinez has been ruled out for two months after suffering a sprained collateral ligament in the 3-0 win over the Hammers on Sunday. The Argentina international had only just returned from a three-month injury lay-off, but is now set for another spell on the sidelines at United.
It is a bitter blow for Ten Hag, who decided to leave Martinez on the pitch after he went down in pain while trying to usher the ball out of play. Martinez tried to run the injury off – something that perhaps now looks careless on Ten Hag’s part.
“It was Lisandro's decision,” Ten Hag said. “It was impossible to diagnose in two minutes. He was not comfortable to be back on the pitch. He tried and stopped in the next attack.”
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday, he added: “It is a big setback for Licha, he is very disappointed but he is a fighter. He will be back stronger and will play by the end of the season.”
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United only got four matches out Martinez upon his return, after he was originally picked up a foot injury in the 4-3 defeat by Bayern Munich on September 20. The 26-year-old is first-choice in central defence when available, with Ten Hag preferring to partner him with Raphael Varane when both are fit.
That has unfortunately become a rarity for United, who also have Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as experienced specialists at centre-back. Ten Hag has also previously fielded Luke Shaw as a left-sided centre-back – and he hinted he might do so again.
Lisandro Martinez played on before eventually being taken off (Getty Images)"We have options,” he said. “How to deal with that position. We have good centre-halves in our squad so the others are available, Luke can also play there. I’m quite confident we can keep the process going so others can fulfil the position and also contribute playing at high levels.
“Those players are experienced. That is an advantage that we have seen [left-footed player in that role]. We have to work on players. They can also develop in such positions when you work with them and coach with them and train them. I see our players in the back line developing their skills when building up."
Martinez has vowed to return stronger next time. "I want to give a heartfelt thanks for the great support I've received and to reassure you that I'll soon be back out there, and we'll fight together. Always united!" he tweeted.
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