Premier League star and former Red react after United’s fan-favourite provides welcome fitness update

Erik ten Hag has waited almost the entirety of the campaign to have a fully-fit Lisandro Martinez at his disposal.

Now, he’ll be hoping that he can at least have him for Manchester United’s remaining four fixtures, one of which provides the chance to overturn fierce rivals – and holders of the trophy – Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.

Some fans have suggested that Ten Hag should hold off on the Argentine’s return this weekend to ensure that he is rearing to go for the final. However, Martinez could well be a difference-maker when it comes to keeping Arsenal’s ever-threatening and prolific frontline at bay this Sunday.

In most cases, after such a lengthy layoff, the manager would reintroduce him to the fold with an off-the-bench cameo, but the absences of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Willy Kambwala means that without Martinez, it’d be Casemiro partnering Jonny Evans at centre-half again against the Gunners.

Given how the backline – particularly the deputising midfielder – fared at Selhurst Park on Monday, Ten Hag may look to utilise the only two centre-backs he has.

Ex-Reds react to Martinez’s training return

Nevertheless, supporters are just thrilled to finally see the stalwart No.6 back in training gear on the turf with his teammates at Carrington, and they’re not the only ones. Former Reds David de Gea and Sergio Reguilon were quick to respond to an Instagram post shared by Martinez on Thursday evening that showed him with a ball at his feet again after a torrid injury-plagued season.