Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is set to be handed a massive boost, with Lisandro Martinez poised to return from an ACL injury he sustained eight months ago in February. The Argentina international is now targeting a return before the end of October, as he looks to add to the mere 16 appearances he has made under Amorim's management thus far at Old Trafford.

Martinez battling back

The centre-back has been out since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Crystal Palace in February. Amazingly, he has only played 16 times under Amorim since the Portuguese's appointment at Old Trafford, and underwent surgery after the clash with Oliver Glasner's men. United have been cautious in monitoring his recovery but the Daily Mail now reports that he couldreturn before the end of the month. United's next three league games come against Liverpool, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest on October 19, October 25 and November 1; he is said to be targeting the latter two fixtures as a potential comeback. 

After his surgery, Martinz issued a positive update, saying: "Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.

"I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of Man United, Argentina federation, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement. The surgery went perfectly! Now it's time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim handed much-needed boost

United have endured a disappointing start to the season and sit 10th in the Premier League table, having won three, lost three, and drawn one of their opening seven fixtures. Amorim has come under severe pressure as a result of their poor results, but part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has insisted that the Portuguese needs at least three years to prove his worth as a head coach, batting away suggestions that he is going to sack the former Sporting CP boss. Nevertheless, the prospect of one of their loudest voices in the dressing room and argubaly best defender returning is only going to boost his chances of helping United climb the table. Martinez has endured an injury-hit spell in Manchester and has missed a total of 90 games for the club and Argentina since 2022. 

Now, he will be desperate to prove himself, especially as his country have confirmed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup at the end of the season; Argentina won the South American qualifying group and will aim to retain the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022. 

Amorim's admission

Amorim has previously spoken of his desire to see Martinez return to United's first-team, insisting that the defender is "missed a lot", not least because the ex-Ajax star has the potential to thrive in the 3-4-2-1 system the coach is stubbornly holding onto.

He said in September, when asked about his potential comeback: "It's really important. When you have that injury, you have that time where you recover a lot of things really hard, then there is the boring part where it looks like you don't go to the next step.

"We miss a lot Licha, especially in this moment, we miss his aggression in everything he does, we miss him. But he's always there in every meeting. In training, he sometimes finishes his and stays to watch the training. We need Licha in this team."

Martinez has remained an integral part of Amorim's squad, travelling to and from games, and even flew to the United States to be a part of the travelling group for their pre-season tour. 

GettyMartinez needs to stay fit

Martinez should be back to full fitness by the end of the month but he looks set to miss United's next encounter, a clash with Liverpool at Anfield. The Reds have lost three games on the bounce and will be out to return to the top of the Premier League table with a victory over their bitter rivals, while United look to jump up from 10th in the table.

Soon enough, Amorim will be able to name Martinez in his starting XI, and the player himself will be desperate to stay fit, as his Old Trafford spell to date has been defined by injuries.