Manchester United supporters gave Lisandro Martinez a raucous ovation as he made his return to action.

Lisandro Martinez was a second half substitute against Tottenham, providing some much-needed strength to the team’s defence for the final half an hour.

He resumed his partnership with Raphael Varane, which was the bedrock of the team’s success last season.

While Harry Maguire may have something to say about that when he is fit again, getting Martinez back was a welcome sight.

Lisandro Martinez returns

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez made a welcome return to action after missing almost the entire season with injury.

Martinez has not played at all since September, undergoing an operation on his injured foot.

He showed no sign of discomfort against Tottenham, putting in a strong display during his time on the pitch, embracing physical contact with the opposition players.

He completed 14 of 14 passes attempted too, showing the benefit he can bring to the side in building from the back.

Martinez also brings a spirit and winning mentality, which was evident in his message posted after the game.

Martinez message to fans

Lisandro Martinez sent a message to supporters on Instagram, which illustrated his mixed feelings.

He wrote: “Proud of the reception I got from the fans, I really love you. Not the result we wanted, but we battled hard until the end. We’ll work together for more!”

Martinez needs to gain playing time, and he might be in the starting lineup when Manchester United returns to action in the FA Cup fourth round against either Newport County or Eastleigh at the end of the month.

United are now on a break until then, which isn’t ideal for Martinez, who has only recently returned, but it does provide him more time on the training field to improve on his fitness.