Lima sets a comeback target for Manchester United, aiming to return early to face both teams! Disappointed by doubts over his long-term injury absence.

Manchester United center-back Lisandro Martínez aims to be back on the Premier League pitch by the end of this month. The rugged player, known as the "Argentine Butcher," has been out for more than eight months following an ACL tear sustained in February against Crystal Palace.

Soon after his injury, Lima had a successful operation in London, yet the club has been careful with his rehabilitation. It is reported that Manchester United expects him to return sometime this year, most likely after the international break next month.

However, last week’s scan revealed that Lima’s knee is in good condition, and this week, once the international players return, he will officially begin full training with the first team. His performance in practice and physical feedback will determine coach Rúben Amorim’s plan for his involvement.

Thanks to Lima’s positive mindset and the effort he has put into his personal training regimen, many are optimistic about the 27-year-old Argentine international’s prospects of returning to the field soon. Nevertheless, his recent injury history raises concerns, as a premature comeback could risk another setback.

If that happens, Manchester United might reconsider Lima’s future and whether he remains part of their long-term plans. According to the British Daily Mail, Lima feels disappointed by the challenges he has faced at the club and the doubts cast upon him.

Lima is recognized by Amorim as one of the six key leaders in the dressing room, but feeling powerless during difficult times for the coach and teammates has left him frustrated. Now, Lima hopes to return early, viewing the upcoming matches against Brighton or Nottingham Forest as potential opportunities for his comeback.

Manchester United’s plan remains to ensure Lima is available for the busy December schedule, aiming for him to be fully prepared for his return. It is almost certain he will miss the "Red Derby" against Liverpool, as playing in that match would pose too great a risk for both the team and himself.

After the away game at Liverpool, Manchester United will host Brighton on October 25th, which is their final match in October. The next fixture will be the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on November 1st.

Lima hopes to participate in one of these two matches, likely starting off on the bench and gradually regaining match fitness. After all, he has been away from the pitch for 271 days, missing 33 games. Expecting him to instantly perform as an unbeatable force is unrealistic.

However, Amorim is eager to have a fully fit Lima back, as his left-footed skills, ball control from the back, and physical presence fill gaps that current players cannot cover. In Lima’s absence this season, Manchester United has often deployed Luke Shaw as an emergency left center-back. While Shaw, an English left-back, has had some strong performances, he has also struggled at times.

Legend Paul Parker believes Luke Shaw’s weaknesses could be exploited by Manchester United’s opponents, such as when facing Salah at Liverpool’s ground. "Salah tries to run behind United’s defense both on and off the ball because he knows Luke Shaw is weak and lazy; he will keep tugging his shirt and doing little tricks like that," Parker said.

Parker analyzed: "Manchester United lack discipline and do not have trustworthy players who follow the coach’s instructions. You can criticize Amorim’s system, and he even calls the current players ‘elite,’ but frankly, that’s nonsense. If they were truly elite, they would be smart enough and brave enough to take risks."