Ian Wright has been surprised by the Manchester United summer signing (Pictures: Getty)
Ian Wright says Lisandro Martinez possesses ‘defensive quality’ that has not been seen at Manchester United in recent years.
Martinez, who joined United in a £60m move from Ajax last summer, produced another impressive performance to help the Red Devils beat West Ham 1-0 on Sunday.
Concerns were raised about Martinez’s height prior to his arrival at Old Trafford but the Argentine has quickly established himself as a key member of Erik ten Hag’s squad, starting all 12 of United’s Premier League games this season.
Marcus Rashford’s 100th Manchester United goal put the home side in front against the Hammers and Ten Hag’s side resisted late pressure from West Ham to secure the three points and move to fifth in the Premier League.
David de Gea was at his brilliant best to deny West Ham an equaliser but former Arsenal and England striker Wright reserved praise for Martinez, who partnered the returning Harry Maguire at centre-back.
‘He’s got defensive quality that I haven’t seen at Manchester United for a while,’ Wright said on Premier League productions.
‘Not only his positioning but he’s passing 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.’
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves agreed with Wright’s assessment of Martinez and added: ‘He’s added so much to the team.
‘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 happy with that.’
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‘He’s been really, really good.’