A touch of class saw rivalry set aside as Sevilla players helped Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez when he suffered an injury.
Lisandro Martinez went down in pain late in the Europa League quarter-final tie, collapsing to the turf untouched.
Martinez is nicknamed ‘the Butcher’, he is a warrior who would put his body on the line for the team. When he goes down injured in these circumstances, you know it is serious.
United had to play the rest of the game with 10 men. Sevilla went on to score an equaliser, with Harry Maguire accidentally heading into his own goal.
Marcos Acuna message to Lisandro Martinez
Sevilla stars Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel helped Martinez off the field. They are Argentine compatriots of Martinez and had a genuine interest and care in his wellbeing.
It was a great show of sportsmanship in a fiercely contested game. Acuna’s immediate thoughts after the game were with Martinez.
He posted on Instagram: “All the best friend and don’t be too much 🙏@lisandromartinezzz 🇦🇷💪”
The early diagnosis of Martinez’s injury is unclear. Erik ten Hag told United’s website that it is not an Achilles tear, which is good news, but his season could still be in jeopardy.
The well wishes of Manchester United fans around the world are wishing Martinez the best. And so is Acuna.
United next face Nottingham Forest this weekend, before Sevilla in the second leg next week. The FA Cup semi-final follows, then a game away at Tottenham.
Manchester United are in a strong position in three competitions still, but there is plenty left to be done.
The late collapse against Sevilla last night was a warning. Take the foot off the pedal and United could still blow it.
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