Lisandro Martinez says he is back doing 'what he loves most' after returning for Man Utd

Lisandro Martinez says he is back doing what "he loves most" after returning from injury for Manchester United.

The Argentine defender has become a hero for Reds fans for his committed displays and rallying spirit while he has also popped up with some important goals.

But he has had to watch on from the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury last February. He was stretchered off the pitch against Crystal Palace and had a long period of rehabilitation.

But finally his calvary came to an end on Sunday as he was able to come on in the second half with United coincidentally playing Palace again.

And now following the game he has written on Instagram about how tough it was for him on the sidelines with his injury but he thanked fans for their support.

He said: "Long time not being able to do what I love most and what better way to return to the pitch than with a very important win.

"They were difficult months, uncertainty, frustration, no stability .... where I had a lack of energy which almost beat me, but I was lucky enough to count on my family, friends, teammates, fans, the club and the national team, to keep myself upbeat. Just thank you everyone."

And after the game captain Bruno Fernandes told of the importance of Martinez in the team.

He told MUTV: "It is very important to have him back, it's such a long spell that he was out even for himself, it's great (for him to) be back with the team to have this feeling of playing games again.

"We know how much he struggled being out without being able to play for us. He's back and one more option to have such big quality in the team, so we're very happy with it."