Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez is given permission to return to Argentina

Manchester United centre back Lisandro Martinez has been given permission to return to Argentina as he continues his recovery from a broken metatarsal.

The World Cup winner has been ruled out of United's season finale but is on course to make a return for pre-season training in July.

To lift the defender's spirits, United manager Erik ten Hag allowed the 25-year old to spend a week in his home city of Gualegay, giving him time to visit family while he continues his rehabilitation.

Martinez also took the opportunity to catch up with old friends at his former club Defensa y Justicia in Buenos Aires who laid on a tribute in recognition of his World Cup winning contribution with the national side.

He will return to Manchester next week.

Martinez broke the fifth metatarsal of his right foot in the Europa League tie with Sevilla at Old Trafford and his absence has been sorely felt.

The combative Argentine has been a huge success since his summer transfer from Ajax and United's fans have been inundating the club with social media messages, pushing for him to be made the club's player of the season.

Martinez has already opted not to take part in Argentina's end of season tour of Asia as he concentrates on getting fit for Ten Hag's pre-season camp on July 12.

Ten Hag has been talking every day to John Murtough and chief executive Richard Arnold about the prospect of adding new signings and wants them in place for the start of pre-season, if their takeover permits.

They are concentrating efforts on bringing in at least one top striker first and then will look to offload up to 13 players, including those who have already been told this week that they are leaving. United's next priority will be to add a midfielder, then a centre back.