Good news has been at a premium for Ruben Amorim since he took charge at Manchester United midway through last year’s disastrous campaign.
A long injury list didn’t help the Portuguese head coach get his message across to his first team squad which resulted in a record low Premier League finish and failing to get over the line in the Europa League.
World Cup winning centre-back Lisandro Martinez was one of the key players Amorim lost through injury after the Argentine suffered knee ligament damage in February, ruling him out the crucial half of the season.
Martinez is arguably United’s best centre-half when fit and making sure he is available for the majority of the upcoming campaign will be central to Amorim’s plans.
Return date looming?
The 27-year-old is still in recovery from his lay off but is desperate to make his return in time for the tricky opening fixtures United have been handed in the Premier League.
As reported by The Athletic, Amorim is hoping the defender will able to join up with the squad for the pre season tour of the U.S. even if he cannot contribute in the matches.
Not only will this help with Martinez ability to keep up with the tactical set up Amorim is attempting to deploy in his back three, United’s head coach also sees him as key member of the squad in terms of his off the pitch qualities.
It’s reported Martinez is “close” to to returning to group training but the final decision will be made by the medical staff as to whether he will fly out to The States.
Better safe than sorry
The difference Martinez makes to United’s ability to play out from the back is evident, and this coupled with his no-nonsense approach makes him a key component to the back line when fit.
Despite Amorim’s wishes, he will be well aware of the risks attached with rushing Martinez back who has suffered badly with injuries since his first season at Old Trafford.
United are likely to take their time with the return of the former Ajax man but given the importance of the early league fixtures, it would not be a surprise to see him feature in the opening weeks of the new campaign.
Amorim’s men are back in action tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon as they take on old rivals Leeds United in their first pre season fixture, in Stockholm.
Martinez has been officially ruled out of the trip to Sweden but having him on the plane to the U.S. will be a major shot in the arm for Amorim and his plans for the upcoming season.
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
