Lisandro Martinez returns to Man United training after Argentinas World Cup triumph
Lisandro Martinez has returned to Manchester United after celebrating his World Cup win with Argentina.
The club confirmed Martinez turned up to United’s training ground – Carrington – the day after their 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, in their return to Premier League action.
There is understandable excitement over his return to United, given his impressive performances for Argentina this month, and fans are hoping he’ll be able to feature in their clash with Wolves on New Years Eve.
The 24-year-old made four appearances for Lionel Scaloni’s side during their World Cup winning run but remained an unused substitute in the final against France.
Following the win, Martinez enjoyed post-match celebrations – at the Lusail Stadium and then back in the Argentina – where the team paraded the famous trophy in front of thousands of supporters.
Martinez’s club team-mate Raphael Varane was also given extended time off after featuring in the World Cup final but returned early to feature in the win over Forest.
The Argentine had been served a gentle reminder from his club boss Erik ten Hag that his priorities should lie with United now the World Cup has come to an end.
Martinez had been invited to stay on in his homeland for the wedding of close friend Nicolas Tagliafico but returned to England to resume duties with his club earlier this week.
United boss Erik ten Hag said Martinez should enjoy his World Cup success but highlighted the fact their Premier League campaign was back underway this week.
His comments came shortly after Martinez was pictured alongside Cristian Romero and Nahuel Molina the day after Argentina’s celebrations.
Ten Hag said: ‘[Martinez] has been celebrating in Buenos Aires and I can understand that. It’s the highest you can achieve.’
The United manager went on to add: ‘Lisandro Martinez has to accept that on the 27th the Premier League will go on.’
Ten Hag also reflected on how Varane was feeling after losing to Argentina in the final of the 2022 World Cup.
He said: ‘Of course [Varane] is disappointed about losing but I think also he can be proud that he was again in the final and of all that he achieved already in his career.’
The Red Devils returned to Premier League action with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
Ten Hag played three full backs in a makeshift defence for their comfortable 3-0 win as his squad was also hit by illness.
United will travel to Wolves on New Year’s Eve and welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford on January 3 as they try to push up from fifth in the table.
Martinez – who took to social media to show he was supporting United by watching from his Manchester home – hopes is hoping to be in contention to play Wolves this weekend.
