Lisandro Martinez restores dormant Man Utd quality to exceed expectations of former Premier League star

Lisandro Martinez has gained further praise from pundits, one of whom has described the Manchester United new boy as “exactly what they’ve needed”.

Manchester United signed Martinez from Ajax over the summer so that he could follow in the footsteps of manager Erik ten Hag. Initially, some were concerned about how he may adapt to the Premier League.

However, with every week that passes, Martinez seems to get more comfortable in the Manchester United backline. He has been cementing his place there in recent weeks.

Usually, the Argentina international has partnered Raphael Varane at the back. With the Frenchman injured, though, he most recently lined up alongside a returning captain, Harry Maguire.

Manchester United kept a clean sheet in the process, as they beat West Ham 1-0 on Sunday. In fact, they have now gone six games without conceding a goal from open play in all competitions.

Martinez’s importance has not gone unnoticed. Indeed, ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright has now opened up on how the Manchester United summer signing has surpassed his own expectations.

“He’s got defensive quality that I haven’t seen at Manchester United for a while,” Wright told Premier League Productions.

“Not only his positioning but he passes the ball through the lines. He’s exactly what they’ve needed. Someone that doesn’t mess about, there’s no thrills with him it’s just bang, good challenges.

“He’s been a really, really good signing. I didn’t think he was going to be as good as he’s been.”

Lisandro Martinez spreading positive impact

Martinez has now started 12 matches in the Premier League in addition to four starts among five appearances in the Europa League for Manchester United.

He has been Ten Hag’s most used centre-back since the Dutch tactician took charge of Manchester United in the summer. Indeed, he has featured in all of their matches so far. Only David De Gea, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes can say the same so far.

All of them were already at the club before Ten Hag, whereas Martinez was not. Hence, he has been making a good impression while instantly integrating into his new setup.

Ranking Manchester United’s six summer signings by how they’ve fared so far this season: Martinez, Casemiro…

In fact, there is now a feeling that he is bringing something better out of teammates whose Manchester United careers began before his own.

Speaking on the same platform, former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves suggested Martinez is making Maguire more comfortable as well.

“He’s added so much to the team, ” Hargreaves added. “He’s given them so much.

“His performance in this game had a big impact on Harry Maguire as well. There were so many positives for United today but defensively Martinez was fantastic. Erik ten Hag will be really pleased.”

Martinez’s next chance to impress could be in the Europa League meeting with Real Sociedad in Spain on Thursday.

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