Manchester United are about to discover truth about latest huge injury blow

"He is very sad, very disappointed. We all feel really with him," said Erik ten Hag when asked about the knee injury Lisandro Martinez had sustained against West Ham.

"First of all, it is a personal disaster when it is really bad, but also for the team it is really bad because he definitely brings us a lot. We'll wait for the diagnosis and tell you more."

The worst was feared for Martinez, who had only just returned from a lengthy lay-off, when he went to the ground, but it was confirmed a few days later that he would be sidelined for at least eight weeks due to damage in the medial collateral ligament in his knee.

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The confirmation of Martinez's injury was a huge blow but it could have been worse. He should return for the final few games of the season and be in full health for pre-season.

After suffering from an aggravated metatarsal problem, which ruled him out for three months, Martinez returned from the sidelines against Tottenham on January 14 and showed why he'd been sorely missed when starting against Newport County, Wolves and West Ham.

Martinez's passing is outstanding for a defender - he could be effective in midfield - and he plays a significant role in build-up play, especially as a left-footed player. He is the only naturally left-footed centre-back available and Ten Hag made signing him from Ajax a priority in his first summer because of that: it's key to how he wants to play.

On multiple occasions this season, Ten Hag has reiterated how much he values a left-footed player on the left side of central defence because of the passing angles they create. Those angles are particularly important