Defensive Boost: Amorim Confirms Lisandro Martínez Return but Warns of Strict “Risk Management” Protocol

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has provided the update fans have been waiting for: Lisandro Martínez is medically cleared and available for selection. However, the Portuguese tactician emphasized a strict “minutes management” strategy to prevent injury recurrence.

Speaking ahead of the weekend fixture, Amorim confirmed that the Argentine World Cup winner’s inclusion in the matchday squad signifies he is fully fit to compete, albeit with calculated limitations.

The Quote: Defining “Match Fitness”

Amorim dispelled rumors that Martínez was only on the bench for moral support. He clarified the precise nature of the defender’s rehabilitation status.

“If he is on the bench, he is READY,” Amorim stated emphatically. “Of course, we need to control his minutes but, if he is on the bench, he is ready to play.”

This statement is crucial for fantasy football managers and analysts tracking player availability. It suggests Martínez will likely feature as a second-half substitute to stabilize the defense, rather than starting the full 90 minutes immediately.

Why “The Butcher” is Crucial for the 3-4-3 System

United’s defensive statistics have fluctuated in Martínez’s absence. His return is not just an emotional boost; it is a tactical necessity for Amorim’s high line.

• Ball Progression: Martínez ranks in the top 1% of defenders for progressive passes, a key metric for Amorim’s system.

• Aggressive Pressing: His ability to step out of the back three allows United to condense the pitch, a high-risk strategy that requires elite decision-making.

Medical Perspective: The “Reinjury” Risk

The decision to “control his minutes” is standard procedure for players returning from soft tissue or impact injuries.

• Load Management: The medical staff will monitor his GPS workload data in real-time to ensure he doesn’t exceed his physical threshold.

• Squad Rotation: With upcoming fixtures piling up, managing Martínez’s return is a delicate exercise in asset protection.

Conclusion: A Shift in Betting Odds?

The return of United’s best defender drastically alters the Clean Sheet probabilities for upcoming matches.

• Betting Insight: Markets often react slowly to bench news. Smart punters know that even 30 minutes of Martínez can lock down a result.

• Fan Sentiment: “We certainly need him” is the consensus across social media, as United looks to solidify their top-four push.