Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his concern over rushing defender Lisandro Martínez back into action too soon. Despite Martínez’s keenness to participate in the recent match against Arsenal, ten Hag decided against it, citing the player’s ongoing recovery as the primary reason.
“Lisandro Martínez is desperate to play, he wanted to play vs Arsenal but it’s too early,” ten Hag stated, emphasizing the importance of not gambling with a player’s fitness. He further elaborated on his responsibility towards the players’ health and careers, which he prioritizes over immediate game requirements.
Context of Martínez’s Eagerness
This decision comes amidst a challenging period for Manchester United, which has been grappling with an injury crisis and defensive instabilities. Earlier statements from ten Hag have highlighted the need for enhanced squad depth and strategic player management to navigate through the ongoing issues effectively.
The manager’s cautious approach aligns with his broader strategy and commitment to the club, as he has previously discussed the importance of building a robust team and making thoughtful comparisons and decisions in the transfer market.
By holding back Martínez from premature gameplay, ten Hag aims to ensure the player’s full recovery and long-term contribution to the team’s success.