Manchester United manager’s defender Lisandro Martinez returned to club training ahead of schedule.
Martínez did not feature in any of United’s competitive matches against Burnley and Nottingham Forest due to his World Cup exploits with Argentina.
The centre-back played a crucial role as the Albiceleste won the tournament, beating France in the final.
His defensive partner at United, Raphael Varane, who played 113 minutes in the final, started against Nottingham Forest and only made a misstep as the Red Devils won 3 goals to nil.
Laurie Whitwell of the Athletic reports that Martínez was invited to stay a little longer in Argentina to engage in personal commitments.
His Argentina teammate and fellow defender Nicolás Tagliafico invited the United man to his wedding.
Martinez turned down the offer to attend in person, flying back to England earlier this week and taking part in United training today.
The World Cup winner was photographed in Carrington.
???????? BODY.
Back on the field. #MUFC ????✅ pic.twitter.com/CmvAEVoEMl
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) December 28, 2022
Martinez’s return will be a big boost for Erik ten Hag, who had to deploy Luke Shaw alongside Varane in the left-centre position.
While Shaw excelled there against Forest, it’s not a position he’s familiar with.
The illness of Victor Lindelof, who missed yesterday’s Premier League clash, and Harry Maguire, who is still recovering, makes Martinez’s return invaluable to both manager and team.
Whitwell also reports that the 24-year-old hopes to be fit and available for United’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
His services will definitely be needed against opponents United have struggled to beat in the past.
