Erik Ten Hag gave an update on Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof after their substitutions in Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday (3 September).
Raphael Varane was ruled out with an injury, therefore Erik Ten Hag started ahead of the Martinez-Lindelof center-back partnership against the Gunners. However, both had to be replaced prematurely at the Emirates.
The Argentina international was taken down in the 66th minute of the game with what seemed to be a serious injury. With the score still 1-1, he was replaced by former Red Devils captain Harry Maguire.
Lindelof was also taken off in the 84th minute with what seemed to be a fitness issue. Jonny Evans, 35, took his spot in defense as Manchester United went on to lose the game 3-1 after conceding twice in stoppage time.
Martinez was not wearing a protective boot or using crutches when he left the Emirates, according to @UtdXclusive on X. Gaston Edul, a journalist, believes the former Ajax defender will play for Argentina later this month.
Following the game, Ten Hag provided an update on the two center-backs, saying (h/t @lauriewhitwell on X):
Victor Lindelof had to leave the game because he became unwell. Licha [Lisandro Martinez] complained of a foot issue, although it’s not clear whether it’s an injury. The diagnosis is pending further observation.
It doesn’t seem like Lindelof and Martinez will be out for long. They might be called up for their next league encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion on September 16th.
Against Arsenal, Manchester United needed more luck, according to Erik ten Hag
‘Everything went against’ Manchester United in their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates, according to Erik ten Hag.
Marcus Rashford gave the Red Devils the lead in the 27th minute, but Martin Odegaard equalized a minute later. One of the game’s most pivotal moments occurred in the 87th minute, when Gabriel Magalhaes hauled down Rasmus Hojlund inside the box to save a score.
The referee waved play on, and the Red Devils were not penalized. Casemiro then sent Alejandro Garnacho through on goal, and the Argentine made no mistake with his strike.
However, Garnacho’s shot was disallowed for offside by the tiniest of margins. Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the game:
I think we played a great game, but things just didn’t work out for us. To win the game, we only needed a little bit more good fortune.
Arsenal controlled the ball 55% of the time and had more shots on goal (5) than the visitors (2).