Rúben Amorim’s words have explained how Manchester United are set to receive a “really important” boost once Lisandro Martínez returns from injury.
Manchester United have been without Lisandro Martínez since February, when the Argentine suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Since becoming a key figure under Rúben Amorim – and as one of the few naturally left-footed centre-backs at the club – Martínez’s injury has left a significant void in United’s defence. Luke Shaw has filled that role for much of the season, but the team have clearly missed Martínez’s influence at the back.
Although Shaw has produced some strong performances, he has struggled for consistency, notably delivering a poor display against Manchester City last month. The return of Martínez could help balance the defence, particularly benefiting Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro on the left side of the back three.
Martínez has been training on grass since the October international break and is expected to rejoin full training in the coming weeks.
While he was unavailable for matches against Liverpool and Brighton, there is optimism that he could make his comeback in early November, potentially featuring against Nottingham Forest or Tottenham away from home.
Amoirm sees Martínez as part of key squad leaders
Speaking on Friday afternoon ahead of United’s fixture against Brighton, Amorim was asked about Bruno Fernandes’ leadership skills and whether he feels any other players in the squad are as vocal as the club captain.
“Yeah, I think Harry Maguire,” Amorim replied. “Sometimes players have a different style. [Diogo] Dalot, he tries to do that. Luke Shaw is completely the opposite.
“He can show in some moments the way he plays when he’s so focused, he can help the team in a different way. I can look at Harry. I think Nous [Mazraoui] has a good impact. You don’t see it, but you can feel it.”
Amorim also explained that Martínez is another who is “really important” when it comes to vocal leaders, and with the centre-back due to return to action soon, it could be a very timely boost for the squad.
Licha [Martinez] is really important on that; he’s really loud. So, sometimes, it depends on the moment, and if we win more games, you will feel the confidence of everybody to start to have that role in the team.”
Martínez return can also help Cunha
Aside from his leadership skills, another impressive trait of Martínez is his brilliance with the ball at his feet.
The 27-year-old is known for his brilliant ability to dribble his way out of trouble from the back, and also the way he can find attacking runs from the side’s forwards with pinpoint deliveries.
This season, out of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, it is the latter who has settled better in front of goal, with Mbeumo forming a partnership with Amad that allows the Cameroon international to be created for.
However, with Cunha, he is yet to develop a similar relationship on the left flank, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Dalot having both played at wing-back, making it harder for the Brazilian to settle and find a rhythm.
But once Martínez returns and likely takes up a consistent role as the left centre-back, this will allow Cunha to have a much more reliable out-ball, given the Argentinian’s passing range.
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