Lisandro Martinez produced a sensational individual performance against Liverpool on Monday night, showing exactly why Manchester United signed him from Ajax this summer.
Erik ten Hag brought the 24-year-old from his former club in a deal worth up to £57 million, per Sky Sports.
But questions were being asked about United’s big-money signing following unconvincing displays against Brighton and Brentford.
The Argentina international endured a nightmare away at Brentford on August 13. United conceded four goals inside the opening 35 minutes and Martinez was one of three players substituted by Ten Hag at half-time.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, speaking on Monday Night Football, said the 5ft 9in centre-back wouldn’t be able to play in a back-four in the Premier League.
"The other problem he's got is the signing of Lisandro Martinez,” Carragher said after United’s shambolic performance at Brentford, per The Mirror. "Now, we should never judge managers or players too early, but I'm convinced this can't work because the size of him playing in a back four. Maybe he could go left-back, maybe he could play in a back three, but in a back four, he cannot play there in the Premier League."
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Martinez was magnificent during Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool
But despite all the noise from pundits and rival fans, Ten Hag kept faith in Martinez, who partnered Raphael Varane at centre-back against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
And Ten Hag was rewarded with a masterclass from the South American defender, who was arguably United’s standout performer on the night.
Man Utd fans saw for the first time why Martinez is nicknamed ‘The Butcher’. He takes no prisoners, despite his relatively diminutive stature, and is more than prepared to get stuck in or put his body on the line in order to win football matches.
Aside from his impressive fighting spirit, Martinez is also excellent on the ball.
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Lisandro Martinez's stats v Liverpool
Per Statman Dave, Martinez registered 100% successful dribbles and 82% pass accuracy against the Reds.
Check out his stats in full:
Video: Lisandro Martinez's highlights v Liverpool
His individual highlights from the match are even more impressive.
Watch them here:
What a performance.
That goal-line block from Bruno Fernandes shortly before half-time was a massive moment in the match.
Had the ball found the back of the net, there’s every chance that Liverpool would have gone on to win the game.
Lisandro Martinez praises Man Utd fans for their support
Martinez praised United fans for their support after the match via Twitter.
And if he can produce more performances like this, there’s no doubt that he’ll quickly become a fan favourite at the Theatre of Dreams.
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