Ruben Amorim has confirmed Lisandro Martinez is in contention to return to action in Sunday's Premier League game at Crystal Palace.
The Argentina international was on the bench for the defeat to Everton on Monday night and, despite not making his comeback after being out since early February, the defender is in the head coach's thoughts for the 12:00 GMT kick-off at Selhurst Park.
Coincidentally, Licha's last appearance for the Reds came in a match against the Eagles, at Old Trafford.
In his exclusive pre-match chat with MUTV's Mark Sullivan at Carrington, the boss was asked whether Martinez is now ready to re-enter the fray and help the Reds' cause, as we look to record a second win on the road in 2025/26.
“If he is on the bench, he is ready,”
insisted Amorim.
“Of course, we need to control his minutes but, if he is on the bench, he is ready to play.”
In his press conference on Friday afternoon, Ruben ruled Matheus Cunha, Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko out of the contest, while Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed skipper Marc Guehi will play, despite being withdrawn at half-time of the 2-1 UEFA Conference League loss to Strasbourg on Thursday.
Amorim has stressed the noon start will have no adverse affect on his team's preparations for the assignment in the capital.
“If you play for Manchester United, if you have to play at seven o'clock in the morning, we need to be prepared for that,”
he added.
“It's a pleasure and it's a big responsibility.
”So the time doesn't matter, it's [the same] for both teams, the same stadium. Of course, it is away but we will have our away fans, so it is not an issue.
“We need to do our part. If there is someone that is doing the right things since last year, this year, it is our fans. So let's do our part.”