Relief for Man Utd! Lisandro Martinez avoids 'worst case scenario' as Red Devils provide update on knee injury and potential return date after West Ham win

The Red Devils cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Hammers at Old Trafford on Sunday but came away from an otherwise resounding afternoon with one key issue. Martinez went down midway through the second half and couldn't continue, leading manager Erik ten Hag to fear the worst post-match. But according to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, the centre-back has avoided a "worst case" scenario and will not require surgery on his injured knee.

United confirmed later on Monday that Martinez would be out for "at least eight weeks". GOAL understands that the defender will not be forced to undergo surgery.

The journalist provided an update on X, writing: "Lisandro Martinez has a sprained collateral ligament. The worst case scenario has been ruled out. It's between a month and a half and two months of recovery. He does not have to have an operation. Good news."

Confirming Edul's initial diagnosis, United's official statement on Monday read: "Lisandro Martinez has sustained an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his knee and is expected to be out of action for at least eight weeks. The Argentine defender left the field in the 71st minute of our 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday. We all wish Licha a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch later in the season."

Martinez was withdrawn on Sunday with his side already 2-0 up, and Alejandro Garnacho added his second late on to round out a comprehensive 3-0 scoreline. United looked revitalised compared to some of their abject performances this term, but Martinez's injury will be a hammer blow. The Argentina star was starting only his third match since coming back from a long-term foot problem, and there will now be some concern at Old Trafford over his proneness to injury.

Despite him escaping a more negative diagnosis, Martinez's loss will still be sorely felt. The likes of Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have also struggled with injury this season, while there are growing doubts over 30-year-old Raphael Varane's ability to play more than once per week. Ten Hag will hope his Argentine stalwart will be out for no longer than the aforementioned eight-week mark, when their battle for European football hits the business end.