Lisandro Martinez has been Manchester United’s standout performer this term (Picture: Getty)
Owen Hargreaves has hailed Lisandro Martinez for his impressive start to life at Manchester United and says the Argentine is already the ‘main man’ in the side.
The 24-year-old joined United in a £47million deal from Ajax in July after handing in a transfer request with the Dutch giants.
Martinez was wanted by Arsenal but he made it clear that he wanted to join United.
The Argentina international was written off by many after United were beaten by Brighton and Brentford in their first two matches but he’s responded emphatically with a series of superb displays.
Despite his 5ft9 frame, Martinez has withstood the added physicality that comes with playing in England and he formed an impressive partnership with Raphael Varane before his injury in October.
Harry Maguire was alongside Martinez during Sunday’s 1-0 win against West Ham on Sunday and the Argentine was again on top form as the Red Devils kept another clean sheet.
Martinez and De Gea have struck up a friendship (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
And, speaking after the win, Hargreaves says Martinez has made himself the ‘main man’ in the side.
‘Erik ten Hag has got Manchester United winning games they would not have won last season,” Hargreaves told Premier League Productions.
‘They are in a good position, defensively they are so much improved. They will be delighted. Lisandro Martinez is the main man in that back four.’
United withstood a late onslaught from the Hammers, with Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice going close.
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The home side needed David De Gea at his best to keep a clean sheet and Hargreaves says the Spaniard has been the club’s best performer in recent years.
‘We know what David de Gea does – he produces big saves at big moments. That’s what he’s best at. He’s been consistently United’s best player over the last few years,’ said Hargreaves.
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What a performance.