Martinez cheers on United from afar against Forest
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez showed his support for the Reds during the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, ahead of his forthcoming return to club action.
The Argentina international has been soaking up the celebrations since his nation’s triumph in the World Cup final just over a week ago, and as he prepares to be available for United again following an extended break back home, Martinez was keen to display his backing for his team-mates from afar.
During the game – which was decided by goals from Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred – Lisandro took to Instagram Stories to post a picture of his view for the evening, as he took in the contest on the television.
After the full-time whistle, he then displayed his appreciation for his team-mates’ efforts, posting: “Well done lads!!!”
Well done lads!!! 💪🏼👹 #MUFC https://t.co/qPSYg1EMGI
— Lisandro Martinez (@LisandrMartinez) December 27, 2022
It is currently unclear when the defender will make his return for the Reds, but Licha will no doubt be keen to get back into the swing of things for his club.
Last week, Scott McTominay discussed his team-mate’s desire to carry over his international success to United, revealing that Martinez had already messaged him about winning his first trophy with the Reds since his summer arrival, shortly after his country hoisted the World Cup.
Tuesday’s outing was the first in the Premier League this season that Martinez did not start, having previously been named in Erik ten Hag’s XI for each of our previous 14 fixtures.
Fellow World Cup finalist and centre-back Raphael Varane, who was of course on the losing end with France, made his return from the tournament against Forest, as did Harry Maguire, who was fit enough to make the bench, and a late substitute cameo, following a recent illness that kept him out of the Burnley cup tie.
With Victor Lindelof also unwell and missing last night's game, Luke Shaw filled in - and impressed - at the heart of defence in a makeshift role. Young defender Rhys Bennett was named among the substitutes.
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How we're shaping up at centre-back, and Martinez's availability, is therefore set to be a talking point that Ten Hag may be asked about ahead of our next Premier League fixture, away to Wolves on Saturday (kick-off 12:30 GMT).
You will be able to see the first part of his pre-match press conference on MUTV, ManUtd.com and in the United App from 13:30 GMT on Friday afternoon, before the second part is released at 22:30 GMT later that day.
The boss is also set to sit down with club media prior to the trip to Molineux, for his regular matchday interview that you will be able to find across our official platforms in the build-up to the weekend's game.