Blow for Amorim as key Man United player ruled out for the season | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been given another headache as one of his key players has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

United made it safely through to the next stage of the Europa League, but their Premier League form has been alarming.

Their 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace made it five league defeats out of six at Old Trafford, and the fallout since the loss has got worse.

Lisandro Martinez was replaced with less than 10 minutes to go with all signs pointing to a serious injury as he was stretchered off and visibly upset.

The club have confirmed the Argentine has now damaged his cruciate ligament.

A statement read: “Manchester United can confirm that Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace.

“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.

“Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”

The centre-back has held a starting spot in United’s defence since he arrived three seasons ago.

Martinez has started 20 of the Reds’ 24 league games so far this season and he captained the side in the Europa League. In recent weeks the defender had even started to add goals to his game. He popped up with a goal to earn a draw at Anfield and another to claim victory against Fulham.

Unfortunately for Martinez, his latest set back in another in a string of injury struggles during his time at the club.

Last campaign he broke his metatarsal, ruling him out for four months. Shortly after his return he suffered a different ligament injury in his knee, missing a further couple of months.

This time the Argentine has hurt his cruciate ligament and it will be an even longer road to recovery for him.

After the match Ruben Amorim immediately expressed his concern for the defender, “I think it is a serious situation. A bad situation for us and especially for Martinez.

“It is really hard on us, he is not just a great player but a strong character in the dressing room. Especially in this moment, it is hard for us.”

The injury appeared to be an innocuous one, as there was minimal contact when Martinez went down. After a lengthy period on the floor, the defender was eventually stretchered off the pitch. It became clear just how serious the injury was when cameras caught tears on his face as he was carried off.

Now the worst fears of both the player and the club have come true, Martinez will have to endure a lengthy period on the sideline and United will have to make do without him.