“He is very sad and disappointed.” When asked about Lisandro Martinez’s knee injury versus West Ham, Erik ten Hag commented, “We all feel really for him.”

“First and foremost, it is a personal disaster when things go bad, but it is also horrible for the team since he clearly provides us a lot of value. We’ll wait for the diagnosis before telling you more.

The worst was feared for Martinez, who had just recently returned from a lengthy layoff, when he collapsed, but it was confirmed a few days later that he would be absent for at least eight weeks owing to medial collateral ligament damage in his knee.

The confirmation of Martinez’s injuries was a devastating blow, but it could have been far worse. He should be able to return for the final few games of the season and be fully fit for the preseason.

Martinez returned after a three-month absence due to an aggravated metatarsal problem against Tottenham on January 14, and demonstrated why he had been greatly missed by starting against Newport County, Wolves, and West Ham.

Martinez’s passing ability is exceptional for a defender; he could play in midfield, and he plays an important role in build-up play, particularly as a left-footed player. He is the only naturally left-footed centre-back available, and Ten Hag made recruiting him from Ajax a priority in his first summer since it is essential to his style of play.

Ten Hag has stated several times this season how much he likes a left-footed player on the left side of central defence because of the passing angles they provide. Those angles are especially crucial when playing against opponents that intend to play deep, or employ a low block, as it is known in 2024, to absorb pressure and counterattack.

Martinez has the ability to funnel the ball into midfield and break the lines in such situations, and while Harry Maguire is a capable passer, no one can play the position he does.

United have only played once since Martinez’s injury, and it was against Aston Villa, who had 56% possession, so his absence was not important. Unai Emery wants his team to dominate the ball, especially at Villa Park, so Martinez’s absence was less significant than it would have been against a deep-lying opponent.

However, it will be a different scenario when United face Luton Town at Kenilworth Road this Saturday, as the Hatters play deep, are well-organised, and difficult to break down. Luton have played 12 home games this season and have only had more possession than their opponents three times (vs. Sheffield United, Chelsea, and Wolves).

More often than not, the visitors have the most of the ball in their 11,000-capacity stadium, with United predicted to have roughly 60% possession. Luton will give a fresh test to Villa, highlighting how much the team misses Martinez.

The 26-year-old is vital when teams play deep, and Maguire and Raphael Varane will try to cover the gap. They will need to be brave on the ball and adventurous with their passing.

Maguire was superb at Villa Park last weekend, and he was dominant in aerial situations, so Martinez’s absence was not a talking point, but it is certain to become one in the coming weeks.

Martinez simply improves United’s build-up play, and his absence has a negative impact on the team’s performance.