PROLONGED PAIN: Devastating Lisandro Martinez injury update after Man Utd star stretchered off in tears during Crystal Palace defeat

MANCHESTER UNITED worry that Lisandro Martinez might be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

The Argentine center-back exited the Old Trafford field in tears on a stretcher during Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace.

Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United on the ground injured, attended to by teammates.

Lisandro Martinez could be ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: PA

Lisandro Martinez on a stretcher, crying after suffering an apparent injury during a soccer match.

The defender left the field in tears on a stretcher on SundayCredit: Alamy

Martinez, 27, tussled for the ball with Eagles star Ismaila Sarr late on.

But he appeared to get his leg stuck in the turf and was in serious pain.

Now the Manchester Evening News suggest dressing room sources worry he may not return for Ruben Amorim during the 2024-2 campaign as he faces a lengthy spell out.

Four months on the sidelines would mean Martinez does not take to the field again this term.

Martinez has had four separate injury problems during his time at United following his 2022 arrival from Ajax.

He missed the end of his debut season with a metatarsal fracture before foot, calf and knee problems during a hampered 2023-24 campaign.

Now the apparent knee issue has left Amorim fearing the worst – especially after Martinez’s recent form at both ends of the pitch.

He chipped in with crucial goals against Liverpool and Fulham, helping United pick up four important points.

The manager said on Sunday: “I think it is a serious situation, a bad situation for us and especially for Licha.

“I think we are going to see in the next days but I think it is a serious situation.

“It’s really hard on us, he’s not just a great player but a strong character in the dressing room. Especially in this moment, it’s hard for us.

“Now it is time for all of us to help Licha. He felt it and, when you are a player, you know when it is serious.

“Let’s hope for better days for him. We are here, like I say, to help him in this difficult moment.”

Martinez joins Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw in the injury room at United.

The defeat was a painful one for Amorim personally, too.

It was his fifth home Premier League loss as Red Devils boss already – after just seven games.

That is the quickest run to five home Premier League defeats for any Manchester United – doing so twice as fast as the previous record of 14 held by David Moyes.

Lisandro Martinez receiving medical attention on the field.

Martinez came off worse in a tussle with Ismaila SarrCredit: Reuters

Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United being stretchered off the pitch.

Martinez has suffered various injury woes since arriving at Old Trafford in 2022Credit: Getty