Premier League

Lisandro Martinez ruled out for season with ACL Injury

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

The 27-year-old was stretchered off during Sunday’s defeat against Crystal Palace, with manager Ruben Amorim describing it as a “serious situation.”

“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation,” the club confirmed on Thursday. “Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery, and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”

The injury is a significant setback for Amorim as United sit 13th in the Premier League following their seventh loss in 13 home matches this season.

Martinez’s absence adds to concerns over left-back Luke Shaw’s fitness, who has not started a game in nearly 12 months.

“Licha [Martinez] is really important for us, not just as a football player but the character he has, especially in this hard moment,” Amorim stated. “Now it’s time for us to help Licha.”

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Premier League

Amorim Explains Rashford’s Loan Move to Aston Villa

£40m Striker: Man Utd, Liverpool In Transfer ‘Tug Of War’

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that Marcus Rashford’s departure on loan to Aston Villa was due to differences in football philosophy.

Rashford, 27, joined Villa on a loan deal that includes an option for a permanent transfer valued at £40 million, with the Midlands club covering up to 75% of his wages.

Amorim explained that despite Rashford’s talent, he struggled to adapt to the coach’s tactical approach.

“I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,” Amorim said.

He acknowledged that player-coach dynamics can vary, saying, “Sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different. I just wish the best to Rashford and Unai Emery, and I hope they can connect because he’s a very good player.”

Rashford made notable contributions under Amorim, scoring his first goal during a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town and starting key matches against Everton and Viktoria Plzen.

Villa fans will now anticipate seeing the forward make an impact under Unai Emery’s management.

Premier League

Liverpool to Face Newcastle United in Carabao Cup Final

Liverpool secured their place in this year’s Carabao Cup final with a commanding 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Thursday night.

Despite trailing 1-0 from the first leg in North London, the Reds staged a stunning comeback.

After a goalless first half, Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock with a sharp snapshot. Mohamed Salah then doubled Liverpool’s advantage from the penalty spot after Gakpo was fouled.

Dominik Szoboszlai added a third with a composed finish, before captain Virgil van Dijk sealed the rout with a powerful header.

Their final opponents, Newcastle United, defeated Arsenal 2-0 on Wednesday night at St James’ Park, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

The highly anticipated final will take place on March 16.

Premier League

Jose Fonte tips Van Dijk for Summer Move to Top European Club

Former Southampton captain Jose Fonte has predicted that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk may leave Anfield this summer for a bigger European club.

Speaking to AS, Fonte expressed confidence that elite clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich would be keen to sign the Reds captain, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

“Virgil van Dijk would thrive at Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Bayern Munich, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at one of those clubs next season,” Fonte stated.

He added, “Those clubs will be looking for defenders who are as reliable as Van Dijk, and everyone will be watching if he goes to the end of the season without signing a contract.”

Fonte believes Van Dijk, despite his age, remains a formidable player. “He can still play at the highest level and has shown he can look after himself. He will have no problem staying at the highest level for another three or four years.”