Ten Hag reminds Lisandro Martinez that Man Utd's EPL campaign is about to resume

Erik ten Hag has told Lisandro Martinez not to enjoy Argentina's World Cup celebrations too much as Manchester United prepare to resume their Premier League campaign.

The central defender played a part in five of Argentina's matches in Qatar, though not the final, before returning to his homeland.

Hundreds of thousands of delirious fans mobbed the victorious players when they arrived back in Buenos Aires and celebrations have continued all week.

Martinez was pictured wearing sunglasses and looking the worse for wear alongside Cristian Romero and Nahuel Molina the day after Argentina's celebrations.

But with United playing Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, Ten Hag has reminded Martinez - and France defender Raphael Varane, who was on the losing side in the final - that he expects them back on club duty sooner rather than later.

'[Martinez] has been celebrating in Buenos Aires and I can understand that. It's the highest you can achieve,' Ten Hag said.

'But also, Lisandro Martinez has to accept that on the 27th the Premier League will go on.

'Of course [Varane] is disappointed about losing but I think also he can be proud that he was again in the final and of all that he achieved already in his career.'

United returned to competitive action following the World Cup with a 2-0 home win over Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, with Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford scoring.

They host Forest on December 27, travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on New Year's Eve and welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford on January 3 as they try to push up from fifth in the table.

Harry Maguire missed the Burnley game through illness but he is likely to partner Victor Lindelof at the back against Forest if Martinez and Varane remain absent.

It came as Ten Hag confirmed winger Jadon Sancho is unlikely to be available for the Forest game amid concerns over his mental wellbeing.

Sancho hasn't played for United since October and missed their training camp in Spain earlier this month after Ten Hag said he 'wasn't physically or mentally ready' to take part.

The 22-year-old, who has closed down his social media accounts, has been in Holland working with coaches recommended by the manager.

United have not put a time limit on Sancho's return, with Ten Hag replying 'I don't think so' when asked if he would play any part against Forest.