Manchester United’s latest signing of the summer transfer, Lisandro Martinez was unveiled to the Red Devils faithful on Wednesday and amid the excitement surrounding his arrival, the Argentinian defender gave United fans an idea of what they can expect from him on the pitch.
The reported £57 million move for Lisandro Martinez was concluded on Wednesday afternoon following days of speculation as to when the former Ajax man would finally be announced as a new Manchester United player.
Martinez becomes Erik ten Hag’s third signing since joining the club after the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.
Advert
Moves for the Danish and Argentinian players were announced within 24 hours of one another, and where Premier League fans may be familiar with the talents of former Tottenham play-maker Christian Eriksen, they may not be so familiar with United’s new centre-half.
Speaking to the club’s media, Lisandro Martinez gave fans an insight into what they can expect from the Argentinian anchor.
“I will give 100 per cent every game, in every training [session]. For sure, also for the team, we will do it. We will play as a team.”
Advert
United’s new boy also detailed how he has done his homework about the club and its global fanbase.
“For sure, I know the fans from Manchester United – I watch videos, and when I watch a game, and some opinions also, the fans from Manchester United are so passionate.”
Martinez, whose talent and versatility contributed to him being named player of the year at Ajax last season, has certainly earned his move to Manchester United.
However, what underpins the Argentinian's ability is a killer mentality. A mentality which he attributes to the lessons he learned in his native country.
Advert
“Our culture is a lot of passion”
“Especially in football. As a player, I have left my house when I was 14 years old, so then you have to take responsibility on yourself.”
“At 14 years old, you have to be a man. Then you have to fight for everything. You have to fight for food, you have to fight for your family, you have to fight for your team. Then you learn a lot: how hard life is.”
Advert
This mentality which was cultivated in his younger years has earned the nickname, “The Butcher” as Martinez leaves everything on the pitch and never falters in his commitment to his team.
These attributes will be all too familiar to his former and now current manager, Erik ten Hag, who will undoubtedly be delighted to have on board a player with the skill and character of Lisandro Martinez.
Despite his successful spell at Ajax over the last three seasons, Martinez revealed that he never imagined he would play for a club as big as Manchester United.
“In the beginning, not so many people believed in me. So, yeah, it’s difficult in Argentina, especially when you start. When you start to play football, it’s like you don’t think for sure [you are going to make it as a professional].”
Advert
“You believe in yourself but it’s difficult to take this step [into the game], you know, because it’s a big step. It’s not easy to think that, at some point, I’ll play for Manchester United. It’s difficult.”
Contrary to his assertions, Lisandro Martinez has undeniably earned his place at Manchester United and will be a huge asset for the squad in the upcoming 2022/23 campaign.
With the new season quickly approaching, Martinez is also ready to get stuck in at his new club.
“I want to train right now, with the team. For sure, we will work hard to put the club in the high levels.
On the day of his arrival, Martinez reportedly got his wish for immediate involvement, with the defender featuring in a behind closed doors friendly against Wrexham.
Following his delayed arrival, some of the defender’s first words in a Manchester United shirt have made it clear that Lisandro Martinez will bring a passion and fire to the United ranks that will make him very popular with the Red Devil’s fans and paired with his immense abilities, this transfer looks to have been a stroke of genius from United.
Topics: Manchester United, Transfers, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Lisandro Martinez, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Ajax
Matthew O'Hara