Man Utd boosted as key player returns to training

Manchester United have confirmed that World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez has returned to training.

The defender was a part of the Argentina squad that beat France to be crowned World champions in Qatar earlier this month, ending a 36-year wait to lift the trophy once again.

Martinez has impressed since joining United and quickly established himself as one of Erik ten Hag’s most important players, but featured sparingly for Argentina throughout the tournament.

He made five appearances in total but could manage only one start under Lionel Scaloni in the Qatar, putting in a commanding display against Mexico.

United confirmed in a statement that he returned as his teammates completed a recovery session on Wednesday 28 December, a day after beating Nottingham Forest 3-0.

The 24-year-old signed in summer despite interest from Arsenal and immediately received criticism with many doubting his abilities due to his height.

However, Martinez has quickly displaced the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to form a partnership with Raphael Varane, who made his return to club action against Forest after being on the losing end of the World Cup final.