Lisandro Martinez has shared a heartfelt message following his long-awaited return to Manchester United. The defender has spent much of this year on the sidelines, rehabbing from a knee ligament injury sustained in February. Martinez suffered a setback in the Premier League against Crystal Palace and was subsequently knifed, which will see him sidelined from centre-back for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
He has steadily regained his game sharpness in recent weeks and was included as a substitute in last week’s Premier League defeat to Everton. On Sunday, Martinez was again on the bench in the meeting with Palace, this time making a brief appearance in the dying moments at Selhurst Park.
More than 24 hours after the final whistle blew in south London, Martinez shared a post reflecting on his return to United with his 6.8 million Instagram followers.
“It has been a long time since there was no better way to get back on the court (pitch) doing what I love most and with a very important victory,” Martinez wrote.
“It’s been months of suffering, anxiety, anguish and imbalance… Lack of energy didn’t get the better of me, but I was fortunate to have my family, friends, team-mates, fans, club and national team to help me recharge. I just want to thank you all.”
Reactions poured in, including one from former United goalkeeper David de Gea. “He’s back,” the shot-stopper, who is currently pledging to trade for Fiorentina, added a knife emoji, a nod to Martinez’s butcher nickname.
His United colleague Joshua Zirkzee responded with a “welcome home” and a red love heart, while fellow Argentine Rodrigo de Paul added: “I’ve been waiting for you, beautiful butcher.”
After the win against Palace, United captain Bruno Fernandes expressed his delight at having Martinez available again.
Fernandes told MUTV: “It’s very important to have him (Martinez) back. He was out for a very long time for me as well. It’s great to be back in the team to enjoy this feeling of being able to play again.”
“We know how hard it was for him to be out and not be able to play for us. We’re very happy with that because now he’s back and we have one more option to bring so much quality to the team.”
United’s next game is in the Premier League when they host West Ham at Old Trafford on Thursday night, and Martinez will be hoping to improve his game and earn extra minutes after an extended absence.
