Erik ten Hag has defended his decision to let Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez play on after the Argentine suffered a knee injury that will rule him out for two months.

Manchester United's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League were dealt a blow with the news defender Lisandro Martinez is facing at least eight weeks out with knee ligament damage.

"Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot," Manchester United said in a statement.

Erik Ten Hag has made a remarkable impact since leaving Ajax to take charge of United last year and Sunday's 2-0 win against Newcastle was the latest sign the club are back on track after a turbulent decade.

Manchester United on Thursday announced a net loss of 115.5 million pounds ($130.4 million, 132.2 million euros) for the 2021/22 season even though revenues rose to 583 million pounds as coronavirus restrictions eased