UNITED BLOW
‘Call the season off’ say fans as Man Utd confirm worst-case Lisandro Martinez news with star out potentially until 2026
He will definitely miss the remainder of the season
MANCHESTER UNITED defender Lisandro Martinez could be out of action until 2026 - and fans are in despair.
The Argentine has suffered a serious ACL injury during United's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the club have confirmed today.
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The 27-year-old was stretchered off in the late stages at Old Trafford after injuring his knee.
While attempting to win the ball from Ismaila Sarr, Martinez lunged forward before his left knee buckled.
He immediately fell to the floor clutching his leg and signalled over to the bench to be substituted.
The Argentina international - who scored two important goals last month - then broke down in tears as he was carried off the pitch.
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While reports suggested an ACL tear on his left knee, fans were hoping for more positive news.
But United have since announced the worst-case scenario ahead of Friday's FA Cup fourth-round home clash against Leicester.
The club statement read: "We can confirm that Licha suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Palace.
"Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.
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"Everyone at United wishes Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way."
An ACL tear recovery time is generally nine to 10 months, though some players may recover in six months.
Manchester United player ratings against Crystal Palace
The worst-case scenario would see Martinez - who needs surgery - out until next February.
It took Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings 473 days to recover from his ACL tear in 2023 before his return this season.
While sidelined, the 18-time capped England international suffered from a condition known as muscle atrophy, which is the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activity.
United fans were left bitterly disappointed after the announcement.
One raged on X: "Just call this season off!"
A second said: "When you think things can't get any worse 😪."
A third quizzed: "Why can't we ever have anything nice?"
While another added: "Absolutely gutted about this. Wish Licha a speedy recovery ❤."
One more said: "See ya need year lad 💪."
Martinez has been plagued by injury problems since joining the Red Devils in July 2022.
He missed the end of his debut season with a metatarsal fracture before foot, calf and knee problems hampered the 2023-24 campaign.
The Red Devils went on to lose 2-0 to Oliver Glasner's side at the weekend - their 11th defeat of their dismal campaign.
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Matthijs de Ligt was brought on as Martinez's replacement but United were undone on their left flank as Daniel Munoz burst through before squaring to Jean-Philippe Mateta to poke home.
Mateta scored a brace for the visitors to secure the three points and move about Ruben Amorim's side to 12th in the Prem.
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Man Utd player ratings vs Crystal Palace
MANCHESTER UNITED'S mini-revival under Ruben Amorim came to an abrupt end as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.
Here's how the Red Devils stars rated on a disappointing day.
Andre Onana - 5
Was left vulnerable by a shaky back-line and beaten by Lacroix's looping header, which came off the crossbar into Mateta's path.
But he couldn't do much about the second goal.
Leny Yoro - 5
Came in for De Ligt, who was benched. Was inches away from scoring his first United goal early on.
Did well to block Mitchell after a Mazraoui error, but his positioning was a problem later in the game.
Harry Maguire - 3
Lost his battle with centre forward Mateta, who held the ball up well and got in behind every time, and was left stranded for the Frenchman's first goal.
Hasn't connected with Yoro. Palace, namely Sarr, opened them both up with ease and should've buried some chances through Mateta.
Lisandro Martinez - 6
Was stretchered off after jarring his knee in the 79th minute.
The Argentine has been scoring the goals recently, but blazed a centre-back's shot over the bar on the brink of half-time.
Noussair Mazraoui - 5
He was okay in the right wing-back role again but it is obviously not his best position.
Struggled with the dual threat of Mitchell and Daichi Kamada down Palace's left side.
Diogo Dalot - 4
Awful link-up play with a horrible blind pass inside the Palace box in a promising team position before the break.
He's not a left winger and it's clear why Patrick Dorgu has been signed.
Manuel Ugarte - 6
Missing in the middle when Mateta's stunning 80-yard run. Missed half a chance in the second-half.
Bruno Fernandes - 5
Restricted. Couldn't get forward much and was unlucky not to score from his usual 20-yard territory after being denied by Henderson.
Was one of three United players booked.
Amad Diallo - 6
Great individual runs, on and off the ball. Dropped to wing-back after Mainoo came off and was involved in anything good creatively.
Alejandro Garnacho - 5
Predictable build-up. But worked hard tracking back as one of the two 10s.
Was quieter in the second half and struggled to step up when the going got tough.
Kobbie Mainoo - 4
Huge experiment by Amorim to have Mainoo lead the line, albeit falsely. It didn't pay off, but it wasn't all his fault.
He didn't get the service or have the hold up play required to be effective.
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Hojlund ('70 for Mainoo) - 5
Came on for the last 20 minutes and ran around a bit without doing much of note.
Zirkzee ('70 for Mazraoui) - 5
As above, not a great deal to write home about despite trying to make things happen.
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