Manchester United arranged a show of support for Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Leicester City on Friday night.. The game is United’s first since he suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee during the defeat to Crystal Palace last time out in the Premier League. Martinez left the pitch via a stretcher late after enduring agony while stretching to win the ball back from Ismaila Sarr.. Matthijs de Ligt replaced the Argentina international for the remainder of that match and was one of those showing their support for him ahead of kick-off. The whole squad donned special warm-up shirts that featured a message for Martinez on the reverse.. “¡Mucha Fuerza Licha!” read the phrase in his native Spanish, translating to “Stay strong, Licha” in English. The move comes a day after the club confirmed the extent of the player’s injury.. “Manchester United can confirm that Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace,” a statement read. “Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.. “Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery, and we will be supporting him every step of the way.” A previous social media post from the club also said: “Our hearts break for you, Licha. We’ll be with you during your recovery and know you’ll be back stronger.”. Amad also shared that sentiment on his Instagram story: “You will come back stronger, Hermano,” he posted. As did Alejandro Garnacho, who said: “You will come back stronger, our warrior.”. Ruben Amorim also remarked in his post-match press conference: “It’s really hard on us; he’s not just a great player but a strong character in the dressing room. Especially in this moment, it’s hard for us.. “Now it is time for all of us to help Licha. We are here, like I say, to help him in this difficult moment.”
