Lisandro Martinez suffered a knee injury that manager Erik ten Hag called a ‘personal disaster’ for Manchester United’s World Cup-winning defender.

The Argentine, starting for just the fourth time since a lengthy absence with a foot problem, was substituted in clear distress after clashing with West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal.

The injury took the gloss off an impressive United win, which featured a commanding performance from the defender. 

He will have tests in the coming days, with Ten Hag reluctant to speculate over the injury’s severity but admitting he is praying for good news.

‘It doesn’t look good, so there’s a big concern,’ said the Dutchman. ‘We have to wait for the diagnosis, then we can tell you more.

‘He is very sad, very disappointed. We are with him. It’s a personal disaster. He is just returning. He is very important for us. He brings spirit to the team, aside from his football ability. Hopefully it is not too bad, we can only pray.

‘He worked so hard to return and now, after four games, it looks like he has to sit some games out again.’

Former United manager David Moyes tasted a heavy defeat back at Old Trafford, and suggested returning South American pair Casemiro and Martinez had been key to the opposition’s recent improvement.

‘In the Premier League, you can see the amount of injuries that have come at different times for different teams this season,’ said Moyes. ‘We’re lacking the structure we want a wee bit.

‘Manchester United are much better now they have Casemiro and Martinez back. They have been struggling a little not having those players, and they have made a huge difference.

‘Martinez gives United a much greater deal of calmness on the ball and in their build-up play. I’m not a specialist on United, but I think he makes them look more comfortable.’

His injury is a big blow for United, and fans quickly took to social media to share their disappointment at possibly losing the defender for another extended period of time. 

'Martinez injured. The season is completely done man if it weren’t already. One fan wrote in dismay. While another stated 'Martinez being injured scares me.' 

Others felt pain theirselves on seeing the injury, with one stating 'I feel sick. I hope Martinez gets well fast' and another offering up their own limb by saying 'Martinez can take my knee if he needs one.' 

One did try and stay tongue-in-cheek with their post by writing 'Can see the concern for Martinez there. We are nothing without him lol'. But the desperation in the post was for all to see. 

The injury was the only blot on an afternoon where United put on one of their best performances of the season, beating West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford. 

Birthday boy Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring for Erik ten Hag's side before a brace from Alejandro Garnacho either side of the break wrapped up all three points.