Lisandro Martinez injury a 'big loss' for Manchester United, says Rio Ferdinand - 'Bring huge stability'

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has told TNT Sports that Lisandro Martinez’s two-month injury absence is a "big loss".

Martinez sustained medial collateral ligament damage to his right knee during United’s 3-0 victory against West Ham earlier this month.

The defender has been ruled out for at least two months, having only recently returned from a foot injury which kept him away from the pitch for more than three months.

He had made his comeback during United’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on January 14.

"I think it is a big, big, big loss," Ferdinand said. "I think as soon as he [Martinez] comes back you’ll see the stability.

"I think him and Luke Shaw on the left-hand side bring huge stability. I think Luke Shaw now has to stay fit. If he gets injured now as well, it would be a huge problem for Man United."

Ferdinand also warned that whichever player was chosen as Martinez’s replacement would have to perform well immediately.

"Whoever the manager plays - Harry Maguire, [Victor] Lindelof, Jonny Evans - whichever one of those guys come in to replace Martinez have to hit the ground running," Ferdinand said.

"I just think fitness is the key - [Raphael] Varane’s got to stay fit as well," Ferdinand added. "Two months is a long time, but hopefully we can get through it."

Martinez is set to miss the Manchester derby against City on March 3, and is a doubt for clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool at the start of April.

Manager Erik ten Hag has already described Martinez’s absence from his team as "really bad".

United, who are currently sixth in the Premier League, next face Aston Villa on Sunday, February 11.

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