Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez started his first match for more than four months in the 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Argentinian international did come on for the final half-hour of the league game against Tottenham earlier this month, but it was the first time that he has been selected in the eleven since recovering from a foot injury.
Supporters on X were happy to see Martinez back starting matches, as he was such an important first-team player before he was sidelined:
Fantastic! He is such an important player for us!
— Andreas Holst Davies (@Football36500) January 28, 2024
One of the only constant positives in that game
— Officialspas (@Official_spas) January 28, 2024
I was over the moon 😅
— Olasunkanmi Ademola (@Ademola1099) January 28, 2024
I think Licha is a core player for now and the future. We need someone as good as Varane, to play alongside for the next 6 to 7 seasons.
— Marcus MFH 🇧🇷🇩🇰 (@Eric_Can_Tuna) January 28, 2024
GOAT
— winner 🏆🏆 (@saviour_mic) January 28, 2024
He’s great, we’re finally playing from the back with martinez
— Marshall Maximus 🦅 (@InnocentAkunne) January 28, 2024
Very good to see him, case, Maguire and Shaw back
— Prince 👑 (@Princeutd1P) January 28, 2024
It was a strong performance from Martinez
You couldn’t have blamed the 26-year-old for being a bit rusty but he acquitted himself well at Rodney Parade, performing his defensive duties with consummate ease.
Martinez also demonstrated his ability in possession, providing the pass that led to Alejandro Garnacho hitting the crossbar.
United’s injury problems are beginning to ease
As well as Martinez, Luke Shaw (muscular) and Casemiro (hamstring) were back in the starting lineup versus Newport, while Harry Maguire (groin) also made his comeback, coming off the bench for the closing stages of the match.
The likes of Mason Mount (calf), Victor Lindelof (groin), Anthony Martial (thigh) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are still unavailable but manager Erik ten Hag now has a much bigger first-team squad to choose from than he did even a couple of weeks ago.
