Ruben Amorim fires warning to Lisandro Martinez as he closes in on return to action

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has cautioned Lisandro Martinez that other players in his position are playing well, strongly suggesting that the defender may have to fight for his place in the starting XI.

Martinez is on the brink of making a sensational return to action, having recovered from an ACL injury that has sidelined him for the last nine months.

The Argentina international has not featured for United since he was stretchered off the pitch during the defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on February 2.

He has trained with his teammates for the past few weeks. On Friday, Amorim spoke to reporters and revealed that Martinez Martinez is “close to being able to play.”

Amorim also sat down with United media and reiterated Martinez’s importance to the club. However, the Portuguese coach warned that Martinez will not simply walk into the team.

Amorim said, “I think he’s almost ready to play. I don’t know if he’s going to be in this next game, but his spirit, his way of training, the way he pushed his team-mates and the way he plays the game is so important for us, but he needs to be careful.”

“He has players in his position that are playing really well. That is my responsibility, that is my decision but I think he’s ready to start going to games.”

In terms of team news, Amorim pointed out, “I think everybody is fine, is ready to go. Now it’s about changing the mindset. Forget a little bit about the national team, focus on our league understanding that we need to start at the first minute, 100 miles an hour to be ready for the game.”

“We work today already, we analyse the last game to try to close that chapter. Now we’re preparing for the Everton game. It’s going to be a tough game.”

Asked whether it’s a good thing United have a little extra time to prepare before their first game after the international break, Amorim answered, “That is a good thing, but you want to play at the weekend because of our fans. That is the main thing. I understand nowadays this is a business and we need to respect that also.”

“The TV companies give us a lot of money to control that but I prefer to play at weekends because it’s a family moment. Old Trafford is always full, so it’s going to be a very good moment.”

The 40-year-old expressed his delight at being back at Old Trafford after successive away fixtures.

“That is the best thing, because in the recent past it was hard to play at home. But nowadays you miss playing at home, that is a feeling we should have in our club. I’m really excited to be back playing at home and the players also. We need to continue winning at home.”

Amorim hailed Everton as a “great team” with a “great manager.” He stressed that it will be a tough contest.

Featured image Richard Pelham via Getty Images

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