Manchester United beat Newcastle this week with a much-maligned temporary centre-back partnership.
Nobody was enthused about the prospect of seeing Casemiro and Jonny Evans at the back once again, but this time, it was enough to earn a rare three points for Manchester United.
The excellent defensive display of Sofyan Amrabat was a large part of this, while Casemiro acquitted himself very well too after strong recent criticism.
Late in the game there was a welcome reinforcement as Lisandro Martinez made his return to action.
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Lisandro Martinez message
Lisandro Martinez came on in the 83rd minute in the 3-2 win over Newcastle as part of a double substitution along with Marcus Rashford, in place of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
He helped United see out the three points. United had won just one match during the most recent spell he was out for.
Martinez had a message for supporters, and he is on a mission. The defender is absolutely determined to help the team to win the final two games of 2023/24.
United face Brighton on the final day of the Premier League season, before the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
He said: “An honour to be back in time to play in front of you at Old Trafford 🫡 Still got two battles to go, and we keep on working!”
Lisandro Martinez latest return
Lisandro Martinez has had a woeful injury record over the past 12 months, which began with an injury sustained against Sevilla.
The Argentina international centre-back actually wanted to make his return a game earlier, against Arsenal, but manager Erik ten Hag did not want to rush him back.
Martinez appeared to return too swiftly after his previous MCL problem, which led to him picking up a more recent calf injury.
The United dressing room is a quieter place without him, and getting him back in time for the cup final is crucial, especially after he missed last season’s.