Manchester United's dismal season has been attributed to the prolonged absence of a key player, according to Metro. Lisandro Martinez, the Argentine defender, has been sidelined for most of the season due to recurring injuries, and his absence has been felt deeply by the team.
Martinez was instrumental in United's success last season, and his injury towards the end of the campaign coincided with the team's exit from the Europa League. This season, despite brief returns to the pitch, Martinez has been unable to shake off his injury woes, leaving United's backline severely weakened.
According to the reports, Ten Hag's staff believe that Martinez's leadership qualities and defensive prowess have been sorely missed, contributing significantly to the team's terrible results. United have struggled to find consistency and stability at the back, with numerous players filling in for Martinez but failing to replicate his performance.
The injury crisis at United has been unprecedented, with several key players, including Casemiro, Maguire, and Rashford, spending extended periods on the sidelines. However, Martinez's absence has been felt most acutely, given his importance to the team's defensive structure and his leadership role in the dressing room.