Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, emphasized that despite the unfortunate injury to Lisandro Martinez, he remains optimistic due to the various alternatives available to him in reshaping the starting lineup. Martinez’s departure during the match against West Ham, resulting from an awkward landing, adds to the team’s challenges. Having recently returned from a four-month absence due to a foot injury, Martinez now faces another setback, projected to sideline him for six to eight weeks.
Expressing empathy for Martinez’s situation, Ten Hag acknowledged the significance of his presence on the field, not only for his technical prowess but also for his positive mentality. Despite this setback, Ten Hag is confident in Martinez’s resilience and anticipates his return to action before the season concludes.
In addressing the need to fill Martinez’s void, Ten Hag emphasized the depth of the squad and the versatility of its players. He highlighted the options available, including Luke Shaw’s potential to slot into the center-back role if needed. Moreover, Ten Hag expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to maintain performance levels despite the absence of key players.
Highlighting the advantage of having experienced players who can adapt to different positions, particularly left-footed players in defensive roles, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of continuous development through training and coaching. He expressed optimism about the squad’s ability to evolve and improve, particularly in building up play from the back.