Man Utd dealt blow as Martinez suffers season-ending ACL injury

Manchester United's defensive woes have deepened as Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martínez has reportedly torn his anterior cruciate ligament, effectively ending his season. The injury occurred during United's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, where Martínez was stretchered off the pitch in visible distress. 

TyC Sports, a reputable Argentine media outlet, has confirmed the severity of the injury, which typically requires a lengthy recovery period. This setback comes as a significant blow to manager Ruben Amorim, who had relied heavily on Martínez's defensive prowess. 

The 27-year-old defender had only recently returned from previous injury concerns, making this latest setback particularly cruel. Manchester United's medical staff are expected to conduct further assessments, but the prognosis appears grim, with experts suggesting a recovery time of up to nine months. 

The club now faces the challenge of reorganising their defence without one of their key players for the remainder of the season. As United struggle in 13th place in the Premier League, the loss of Martínez could have far-reaching implications for their campaign and Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford.

 

February 3, 2025