Lisandro Martinez and partner announce they are expecting their first child

Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has shared that him and partner Muri Lopez Benitez are expecting their first child.

Posting on Instagram, an elated Martinez and Lopez Benitez shared a picture of the couple holding a picture of their baby scan.

The picture was accompanied by a heartfelt message from the Argentinian, who wrote of his jubilation.

'We are so happy that you came into our lives!!! You are a reflection of the long road we have traveled together, of every step taken with care, with awareness and with patience, but above all with love, that love that now brings us even more love!

'Thank you for choosing us!!! They love you with their whole souls... Mom and Dad

The message was signed-off with a p.s. that the couple's dog was also looking forward to welcoming their first child.

'And of course, the little dog with the purest heart in the world is also eagerly awaiting you!

United teammates including Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hoejlund, Manual Ugarte and Kobie Mainoo all left comments congratulating the expectant couple.

'Congratulations bro', Alejandro Garnacho wrote with a love-heart eyes emoji, with Joshua Zirkzee and Kobie Mainoo sharing the same sentiments.

'Let's go!!' added fellow United defender, Diogo Dalot.

Reports from Holland say Martinez and Benitez Lopez are childhood sweethearts, having grown-up together in Gualeguay, Argentina.

The 26-year-old joined Man United from Ajax in July 2022 for a reported transfer fee between £47million to £49m, plus £8.5m in add-ons.

The defender was one of then-new manager Erik ten Hag's first signings after following his former manager from the Dutch club.