Ten Hag defends decision to keep Martinez on the field before injury setback

Ten Hag defends decision to keep Martinez on the field before injury setback

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 17:01 - 09.02.2024

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has denied suggestions that his decision to bring Lisandro Martinez back on against West Ham aggravated the injury.

Lisandro Martinez was ruled out for at least 2 months after picking up an injury against West Ham last weekend.

Martínez was hurt during the second half of Sunday’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford. After receiving treatment the defender re-entered the contest but broke down again almost straight away and was taken off.

Ten hag defends decision after Lisandro Martinez injury

The 26-year-old has suffered damage to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Ten Hag was questioned about whether the issue might have been exacerbated by not substituting Martínez immediately.

Ten Hag said “I don’t think so but it was Lisandro’s decision and he was comfortable to be back on the pitch but after he tried he stopped in the next attack.

" It is [almost] impossible [to diagnose injuries]. In some situations, it is clear and obvious but there is always a grey area and it is very difficult to see from the sideline."

Defender Aaron Wan-Bisaka will also be unavailable for the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday after suffering a setback in training.