What Manuel Ugarte did at full-time speaks volumes after Manchester United win vs Leicester City
Manuel Ugarte could not wait to get in touch with Lisandro Martinez following Manchester United's 2-1 FA Cup comeback against Leicester City on Friday night.
Martinez is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during United's 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend. The incident occurred with Palace winger Ismaila Sarr and he had to be stretchered off the pitch.
Prior to the FA Cup game, players were seen wearing special warm-up shirts with each shirt displaying the message: "Stay strong, Licha!" Taking to Instagram, Martinez replied: "Thanks for the show of support, guys! I'll come back stronger."
READ MORE: Paul Scholes sends Ruben Amorim Man United nine-word message after controversial decision
READ MORE: Why Man United goal vs Leicester City was allowed to stand amid offside controversy
After full-time, Ugarte was seen on FaceTime with Martinez as the centre-back appeared to celebrate the win. Ugarte took to Instagram to share the moment.
Since joining United from Ajax in 2022, Martinez has suffered a number of significant injuries. The 27-year-old missed the final six weeks of the 2022/23 season with a fractured metatarsal and required corrective surgery in September 2023 that kept him out for four months.
In a statement confirming Martinez's injury, United said: "Manchester United can confirm that Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace. Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.
"Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way."
With Martinez out until next season, United have six specialist centre backs following the arrival of 18-year-old Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in the transfer window. Noussair Mazraoui has also played in Ruben Amorim's back three this season while Casemiro also played in that position last term.
