When it came to attempting to secure the services of a new center back during the summer transfer window, many Manchester United fans were, quite reasonably, skeptical of Erik ten Hag's pursuit of Lisandro Martinez. However, ten Hag was successful in his pursuit of Martinez.
Before making the move to Old Trafford in July, the 24-year-old had only ever played in his home country of Argentina and with Ajax in the Netherlands. Since making the move, he has been a standout for Manchester United. As a result of his lack of experience in the top leagues in Europe, there was some debate as to whether or not he would be successful in the Premier League.
Concerns of a serious nature were also voiced with regard to his short stature. The Argentine player, who stood just 5'9" tall, was mocked prior to his debut in the Premier League, primarily by supporters of other clubs' teams because of his height. However, supporters of United also had their own concerns that needed to be addressed.
United's recruitment team had identified Villarreal defender Pau Torres as their primary target to strengthen Ten Hag's defense; however, the Dutchman had his sights set on Martinez and ordered a move for him instead. Torres was the player that United's recruitment team had earmarked as their primary target to strengthen Ten Hag's defense. After a rough start in his first two games for the club, during which he struggled against both Brighton Hove Albion and Brentford, he has since shown great improvement and is now one of the very first names listed on the teamsheet.
Because of his no-nonsense approach and never-say-die attitude, he has won the hearts of thousands of United fans, as evidenced by his ever-popular chant, "Argentina." His no-nonsense approach and never-say-die attitude have helped him win over United fans. He has done an excellent job of adjusting to life at Old Trafford and is currently one of the best center backs in the Premier League through the first few months of this season.
Because his play has only gotten better and better over the past few months, he has more than proven himself worthy of being included in Argentina's World Cup roster at this point. Last week, head coach Lionel Scaloni included him in his plans for the tournament, and he will go into their match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with high hopes of earning a starting position in the match.
The fact that the ball-playing defender is even on Argentina's World Cup squad is probably enough to make him feel like he's living a dream, regardless of whether or not he starts that match. This is because, while he was still playing for Ajax, he expressed his desire to compete in the tournament in Qatar and gave a lot of credit to Ten Hag for helping him get a spot on the Argentina national team in the first place.
Martinez was quoted by the Express earlier this year saying, "I am so proud of what I have achieved at Ajax and under Ten Hag." Martinez was speaking earlier in the year. "Because of the opportunities I was given at Ajax, I was able to improve as a player and earn a spot on the Argentine national team.
"And I even got the opportunity to wear the captaincy armband for my country," she said. That day was very emotional for my father, and he shed some tears as a result. Everyone cried, including my mother, as well as my uncles, aunties, and cousins.
"I most definitely want to compete in the World Cup. We have a strong roster, and we should all be prepared to take advantage of it. Together, we were able to win the Copa America, and we can do it again.
Martinez has continued to move up through the gears ever since he joined United this past summer. He credits Ten Hag's management and the level of trust that he has in him for his success. Martinez's performances have justified exactly why the Reds manager was so determined to be reunited with him at Old Trafford during the summer. The Reds boss was determined to be reunited with him.
He has been nothing short of outstanding, and he and Raphael Varane have formed a strong partnership in the middle of the defense. Because of his management's and Ten Hag's trust in him, he has been given the opportunity to advance his career to the next level.
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