(Reuters) – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag revealed on Friday that defender Lisandro Martinez could make a return to the squad for their upcoming Premier League game against Brentford. Martinez has been sidelined due to a knee injury he suffered during a match against West Ham United in February.
The 26-year-old Argentine center back hurt his medial collateral ligament during that game, but now there is optimism that he may be fit to play against Brentford. United, currently in sixth place in the league, are gearing up for a crucial away match against Brentford, who are placed 15th in the standings.
Ten Hag expressed his enthusiasm about the potential return of Martinez, stating, “We have missed him in every game because of his composure, calmness, and winning attitude. His presence contributes significantly to our team’s performance levels.”
In addition to Martinez, United will also welcome back defender Luke Shaw, who is expected to recover from a muscle injury before the season concludes. This news further boosts the team’s defensive options as they head into the final stretch of the league campaign.
One of the positive developments for United has been the emergence of 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who recently made his international debut for England. Mainoo showcased his talent in matches against Brazil and Belgium, impressing both his club and national team coaches.
Ten Hag praised Mainoo’s early success at the international level, stating, “We are not surprised by his performances. He has shown that he can adapt quickly to higher levels of competition. His natural ability and desire to succeed make him a valuable asset to the team.”
Mainoo, a product of United’s youth academy, has already made 14 appearances for the team in the league this season. His rapid progression and impact on the field have been a source of pride for the club and its supporters.
Ten Hag emphasized Mainoo’s passion for the game, saying, “He enjoys playing dominant football, dictating the game, and ultimately winning matches. His commitment to improvement and his enthusiasm for the sport are commendable.”
As United prepares for their upcoming matches, the potential returns of Martinez and Shaw, along with Mainoo’s promising form, provide a much-needed boost to the squad. The team remains focused on securing positive results in their remaining fixtures as they aim to climb higher in the league standings.
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
