Man United star's girlfriend reveals player's pre-match ritual

The girlfriend of Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has revealed the ritual the player goes through before every game.

Martinez has impressed at Old Trafford since joining the club from Ajax this summer, despite initial doubt from some pundits over his small stature compared to other top centre-backs.

But it took the 24-year-old a matter of matches to acclimatise to English football, and he has since become Erik ten Hag's first choice centre-back.

He is renowned for his tough tackling, work rate and defensive positioning. United have the best home defence in the Premier League so far this season, having conceded four goals in six matches.

Martinez is currently at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. Although he didn't start their 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia, he did earn playing time from the bench.

The centre-back was then included in the starting XI for the crucial clash against Mexico on Saturday, which Argentina won 2-0.

Lionel Scaloni's side take on Poland knowing that they may need a win to secure qualification for the knockout stages, dependent on if there is a winner in the Saudi Arabia vs Mexico.

And Martinez's girlfriend, Muriel Lopez Benitez, has revealed how Martinez is set to prepare for that match, as he does for every other match.

What is Lisandro Martinez's pre-match ritual?

Speaking to Argentinian outlet La Nacion, Lopez Benitez explained: "He usually lives the matches a couple of days before in his head. He's very focused, and gets into it thoroughly.

"We went to visit him and lift his spirits [after the Saudi Arabia defeat]. It was a hard blow, but at least it was a moment that can wake them up and make them more prepared."

Argentinian fans will hope that Martinez and his team-mates are fully prepared for their key clash against Poland, which will likely determine whether or not they remain in this year's World Cup beyond the initial group stages.

Captained by Lionel Messi, Argentina are looking to win their third World Cup, and their first since Diego Maradona and co lifted the trophy in 1986.