Erik ten Hag sends frustrated Lisandro Martinez message over World Cup celebrations

Erik ten Hag has admitted he has been frustrated by Lisandro Martinez’s slow return to Manchester United after the World Cup.

Martinez returned to his homeland to join in the celebrations following their triumph over France in the World Cup final and is yet to return to Manchester, with Ten Hag confident the centre-back will not be available when United face Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

While he admitted he was happy for Martinez, Ten Hag warned the defender he needs to get his sights back on club football very quickly.

“He’s [Martinez] still celebrating in Argentina,” Ten Hag began. “I can understand that it’s very emotional. Winning the World Cup for your country is the highest you can be.

“But also Martinez has to accept that on the 27th the Premier League comes back [for United].”

Ten Hag is also expecting to be without another centre-back, Raphael Varane, who also played in the final for France.

“Varane, of course, is disappointed but can also be proud of being in the final and all that he has achieved in his career already is massive – to win so many trophies,” the boss added. “He can still be proud. Getting to the final is a massive achievement. His nation were so close.

“We have a plan [for all players]. It’s all individual based. No one is the same or has the same programme or minutes. It depends on their positions and the age of the players.

“We all know the restart was five or six days after the World Cup final. Everyone has to be ready and accept it. The manager and coaching staff of course, but also the players – they have to accept it.

“They want trophies. We spoke about the tough competition and we have to be ready for it and deal with it, do it smart and hopefully get the right performance and results.”