Lisandro Martinez faced a challenging season with Manchester United due to a series of injuries that limited his contributions to just 14 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign. As he prepares for the Copa America with Argentina, Martinez opened up about his difficult year and the broader struggles of his club.
Injury Setbacks
Martinez’s season was marred by a sequence of injuries:
- Metatarsal Injury: The most significant issue was a fractured metatarsal sustained during a Europa League match against Sevilla in April 2023. Despite initially returning for pre-season, a recurrence of this injury in September required additional surgery, sidelining him until January.
- Knee Injury: In February, after just a few appearances back from his metatarsal injury, Martinez suffered a knee injury when West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal accidentally landed on him, resulting in further damage and keeping him out until late March.
- Calf Injury: Upon his return, Martinez quickly encountered a calf injury, likely due to an expedited return to action. This setback restricted him to only the final two Premier League games and 73 minutes in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Manchester United’s Injury Woes
Martinez’s injuries were part of a broader trend at Manchester United, who led the Premier League with 45 injury incidents last season. This included several key players being sidelined, impacting the team’s overall performance.
Impact on Performance and Reflections
- Personal Struggles: Martinez acknowledged the personal toll of his injuries, admitting it was “not a good season” for him. His inability to maintain consistent fitness meant he missed critical parts of United’s campaign, including the Champions League and League Cup exits.
- Team Performance: United’s injury crisis contributed to their worst-ever Premier League finish, amplifying the challenges faced by manager Erik ten Hag and the squad. Despite these issues, Martinez managed to play a pivotal role in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, providing a silver lining to an otherwise difficult season.
Martinez’s Reflections
In a candid interview, Martinez spoke about the lessons learned from his injury setbacks:
- Resilience and Learning: “You have to be prepared for when these things happen… and you have to learn from them,” Martinez reflected. He emphasized the importance of physical and mental strength in overcoming such challenges.
- Focus on the Present: Now feeling “excellent,” Martinez is determined to focus on his current fitness and upcoming opportunities with Argentina at the Copa America. His reflections underscore a commitment to moving past his injuries and contributing positively to his teams moving forward.
Outlook for the Future
As Martinez returns to full fitness, his experiences from the past year serve as a crucial learning curve. His ability to bounce back and his determination to focus on the present will be key as he looks to support Argentina in the Copa America and prepare for the next season with Manchester United.
Quotes:
“It was not a good season personally and, as a team, too. But you have to be prepared for when these things happen, these types of injuries. And you have to learn from them… Today I feel excellent. I have to focus on what is happening now, in the present.” — Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez’s injury-plagued season exemplifies the resilience required in top-level football. His reflections highlight the personal and collective struggles at Manchester United, offering insights into the challenges faced and the lessons learned as he prepares for a brighter future on the field.
