Man Utd star to be ‘rewarded’ with hefty pay hike in first piece of business for new owner

Manchester United are reportedly planning on offering Lisandro Martinez a significant pay hike, following a stellar first campaign with the club.

United have struggled over the past few seasons to find a defence befitting of their status. Club captain Harry Maguire has received criticism on a number of occasions during that time.

The entire side were below the standard expected of them last season, finishing sixth in the Premier League. As such, that reflected particularly poorly on the defence.

The signing of Raphael Varane before that campaign was promising. That he played just 22 league games, having been hampered by injuries, meant lesser options were called upon more often.

This season, he’s been available more often, and his partnership with new boy Martinez has been a great one.

The Argentine signed for north of £50million from Ajax in the summer. He immediately came into the first team, and has retained that status when available throughout the season, thanks to some top performances that have shown his heart and class.

It’s little surprise United look set to finish higher in the table this season than last, and with fewer goals conceded, thanks to the addition of Martinez alongside Varane.

The Red Devils have lost a couple of games of late – versus Brighton and West Ham – and that’s not helped by the fact both Martinez and Varane have been out.

United plotting Martinez wage rise

The pair are clearly vital to the success of this United side. As such, it seems Martinez is going to be rewarded for his vital role in the side.

Indeed, The Sun reports the centre-back is ‘in line for a hefty pay rise’ as soon as the ownership saga is resolved.

The club is set to change owners soon, if the Glazer family deems any of the bids from interested parties over the last few months acceptable.

Martinez reportedly earns £120,000-per-week at Old Trafford currently. It’s suggested he’s set to be handed an extra £50,000, which would reflect his importance to the side.

Indeed, manager Erik ten Hag, who signed the defender after having managed him at Ajax, wants to ‘recognise his elevated status in the side’ by moving him up the pay ladder.

Martinez new deal a good move

Martinez will now be paid closer to what some of the club’s top performers are earning.

There seems to be no reason why he shouldn’t be, having completely made the centre-back position his own in his first season, and played a crucial role in a number of competitions.

That might have piqued the interest of some other big names across Europe.

As such, United will know how important he is to them over the next few seasons, and understand keeping him around as the team progresses in each competition they play in will see them rewarded on the pitch.

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