1 week ago
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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is to return to first team training after the international break.
The £47million signing from Ajax has been out since February after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Crystal Palace.
He's been eager to return since resuming light training in July but, with a number of centre backs to choose from, United have been cautious with his recovery.
The 27-year old World Cup winner is a key voice in the dressing room and is part of the squad’s leadership group.
United insiders say he has often cut a frustrated figure with his determination to return to first team action during another difficult period for under pressure coach Ruben Amorim. However, they want to ensure he comes back fully prepared for a busy part of the season.
Martinez has been training, working with the ball and had an MRI scan last week to check the condition of his knee.
Lisandro Martinez is set to return to Manchester United training after the international break
The Argentinian has been ruled out since March with a torn anterior cruciate ligament
The results were positive and he is ready to step up to the final stage of his rehabilitation as he pushes for a recall to Amorim’s starting back three.
The Argentinian's return could come at the perfect time for Ruben Amorim, who has come under increased pressure in recent weeks.
United have already lost three Premier League games this season, the latest coming at Brentford a couple of weeks ago.
Saturday's comfortable defeat of Sunderland at Old Trafford came as a boost to Amorim, who's side face a difficult trip to Liverpool after the international break.
Following the victory over the Black Cats, the Red Devils boss called for his players to build on the three points. The Portuguese is indeed yet to record back-to-back league victories since taking the job last November.
‘We need to show with actions,’ he Amorim. ‘I know they want to do their best, and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time.
‘But like I said during this week, to be with the manager is “I will kill myself to go in every transition”.
‘Sometimes when we look at our team, I know for sure that in the end they know we can do better. We need to show that on the pitch, not just at home but also away.
The defender's return could come at a crucial time for Amorim, who has come under increased pressure in recent weeks
'There is no momentum with our team, with the break or without the break,’ he admitted. ‘We know what happens when we win one game. The frustration is not to see the same team at home and away.
‘It's frustrating to not have this kind of performance again. We need to do this kind of performance away as well. It's our responsibility to play like this.’
