Lisandro Martinez proved that he has not lost his touch with one key first-team Manchester United star after he made his long-awaited return from injury.
Ruben Amorim provided an update on Lisandro Martinez on Thursday during his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United’s visit to City Ground.
Martinez has been working behind the scenes at Old Trafford on his fitness and rehabilitation after he was sidelined during the 2024-25 Premier League season.
The 27-year-old Argentine defender hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since February after he picked up a knee injury in United’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
Martinez is influential for United manager Ruben Amorim in the Red Devils first-team squad and the centre-back’s absence has been felt in the current campaign.
What Lisandro Martinez did with Man Utd ace Bruno Fernandes is a real eye-opener after his return to training
Lisandro Martinez missed the second half of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign and has been sidelined for the opening months of the 2025-26 season.
The World Cup winner underwent surgery in 2025 after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee, which led to him being stretchered off.
Following his setback in United’s loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, Martinez eventually made his return to training on an individual programme designed for him.
However, United on Thursday revealed that the former Ajax star was at the Carrington training complex and had finally linked up with the first team for training.
Adam Marshall reported on Martinez’s return to United first-team training with the rest of Ruben Amorim’s squad and the Argentina star appeared in his element.
According to Manchester United’s official website, Martinez “showed the connections and chemistry remains” with his “nice ball threaded through” to Bruno Fernandes.
Lisandro Martinez’s link-up with Bruno Fernandes shows what Man Utd have been missing from the World Cup winner
Adam Marshall’s report suggested that there was “plenty of other evidence” of Martinez showing his “qualities” on the pitch, something the Red Devils have missed.
Martinez’s link-up with Bruno Fernandes came after the 2022 World Cup winner took part in a “bigger-sided” training session with his United teammate at Carrington.
United manager Amorim and his Red Devils coaching staff “encouraged” Martinez during his return to first-team training and it is a welcome sign for United fans.
Martinez had the opportunity to cross paths with familiar faces and even play in the United backline alongside the likes of Leny Yoro during his first training session back.
Marshall’s first-hand account even described the former Ajax star showing a “familiar sense” of the “controlled” and “calm passing ability” he can exhibit with both feet.
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