Manchester United will be without centre-back Lisandro Martinez through suspension when they resume their Europa League campaign next year.
The Argentine, who has been outstanding since joining the club from Ajax during the summer transfer window, was booked during the second half of Thursday night's Europa League clash with Real Sociedad in Spain. He was cautioned after flying into a challenge on striker Carlos Fernandez, although, on second viewing, it appeared a harsh decision.
Nevertheless, Martinez came off worse, requiring treatment from the United medical team. He was, however, able to continue.
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Unfortunately for him and United, it means that he will be suspended when the Reds resume their Europa League adventure next year, as it marked his third yellow card in the competition this season, resulting in a one-match ban. The Argentine was also booked during the return clash with Sociedad at Old Trafford in September, as well as in the 3-2 win over Omonia Nicosia last month in Cyprus.
Martinez, who was a top target for United manager Erik ten Hag throughout the summer transfer window, has started all but one of the Reds' six Europa League group games this season, highlighting his importance.
United won 1-0 in Spain on Thursday night, though the win wasn't enough to lift them to top spot in Group E, meaning they will require a two-legged play-off fixture against a third-placed Champions League club to try and reach the last 16.
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