Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha were among those to react to an exciting message from one of their Manchester United teammates this week.
Manchester United’s pre-season training started up this week ahead of what many are considering a crucial campaign for the club.
After a terrible season last time out, Ruben Amorim will be under pressure to get results early on despite facing the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea in the opening in the first five Premier League fixtures.
New additions to the squad are still needed even after Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon being announced as signings. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to join the club.
But Amorim also needs to get better performances out of his existing United stars. Some players managed to adapt quickly to his demands while others took their time.
Fernandes and Cunha react to United teammate’s message
Lisandro Martínez was one of the players who shone during Amorim’s first weeks in charge, with the Argentine defender being crucial in possession in the wide centre-back role.
Unfortunately, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the beginning of February which ended his season early, but Martínez has been working hard to return to the pitch as soon as possible.
The 27-year-old uploaded a video to his Instagram this week. There were various clips of him in the gym with a personal trainer as he looks to move closer to getting out on the grass.
“The comeback is getting closer 🔜⚽️💪🏼” the Argentine’s caption read. Cunha and Bruno Fernandes were among those to like the post.
All three players have that same determination and would likely start in Amorim’s strongest eleven when everyone is fit.
When is Martínez set to return to action?
Despite initially being expected to be sidelined until November, reports from last month suggest that Martínez is now on course to rejoin United’s main squad during pre-season.
There is growing optimism that he could be back in action by September. With the first weekend of that month falling during an international break, Martínez is now being targeted for a return around the weekend of 13 September — nearly two months ahead of the original schedule.
While there were early concerns that Amorim’s side might struggle for quality on the left side of defence during Martínez’s absence, the rise of Ayden Heaven has been a welcome and exciting development.
Heaven’s emergence, as well as the growing importance of Leny Yoro, means that the Reds will not need to rush Martínez back into action and he can be reintegrated into competitive football slowly.
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