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Erik ten Hag explains why ‘Butcher’ Lisandro Martinez is so important to Man Utd & airs long-term future hope.
Erik ten Hag has revealed why “The Butcher” Lisandro Martinez is so important to Manchester United, where he currently plays.
When the Argentine international moved to England in the summer of 2022 after following former manager Ten Hag from Ajax, there were concerns over whether he was the best choice for Old Trafford.
Fears about the South American’s short stature as a centre-half were voiced, but he has since won the World Cup with his nation and gained a fanbase in Manchester.
United boss Ten Hag has said of the qualities that Martinez brings to any team, with the Dutch coach hoping to continue working with the 25-year-old defender for many years to come: “I see ‘The Butcher’ in a positive way. Not in a negative way. His playing [style is] tough but not unfair. I think he is, especially, he is a defender, and he is defending in a good way – on the ball because it is [about] positioning, anticipation and co-operation.
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“It is sublime. It’s extraordinary to work with him and because he has that capacity, and he wants to improve day by day. So, it’s nice to see his defending style. His attitude – everyone loves it, the fans love it, the defence loves it, and it gives spirit to the team. [When he is] on the ball, he can deal with it. I like him as a player. I like the attitude [that he has], and I hope that we can co-operate for a long time together.”
Martinez has made 37 appearances for United in all competitions this season, forming a successful relationship with fellow World Cup winner Raphael Varane. Martinez also assisted the Red Devils in ending a six-year trophy drought as they defeated Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup final.
Martinez and colleagues will return to action on Thursday when the Red Devils take on Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 match. The Red Devils’ last Premier League match ended in a humiliating 7-0 loss at Liverpool.