It’s fair to assume that the fact that Manchester United has improved since Erik ten Hag joined the team last summer has a lot to do with the development of their defense.
Along with the tactical adjustments, the manager asked for Lisandro Martinez to be signed, who was acquired by the Red Devils for €57 million and played for him at Ajax.
Club star Bruno Fernandes recently spoke with ESPN Argentina about the center-back’s influence at Manchester United.
When ‘Licha’ Martinez was brought up, the midfielder began by describing how the defense was able to win over the supporters of the team so rapidly.
I won’t claim that I knew Licha well, but I did know his ball handling skills because I had watched numerous matches. I was aware of how he emerged successfully from behind because, as is generally known, Argentines tend to always give a bit more due to their greater level of desire and hunger. You can always count on an Argentine player to bring you these things, which teams frequently lack.
“And Licha arrived well, he earned his spot. He is a guy that some thought couldn’t play in the Premier League because of his height because we all know how physically demanding that league is. However, despite playing here for three years, I’m not particularly strong. As a result, I believe Licha’s winning mentality and drive to establish himself as a top contender are what make him so talented.
“I was aware that the supporters would approve of Licha’s behavior, and I was also aware of the reasons why Manchester United supporters in this country favor those who strive for more, engage in conflict, and give their all during a game. And Licha, in my opinion, always does that. You can play well or poorly; it happens to everyone, but I believe that Licha’s attitude and behavior during games are what endear him to his supporters.
Then, when discussing Manchester United’s defense, Bruno Fernandes lauded the synergy between Martinez and Raphael Varane, stating the two are players that can complement one another well.
Additionally, he thinks Victor Lindelof, another player on the team, can get along well with the other two players listed.
“I think he came and did a great job; the situation also changed for the team,” I said. We began to play with the same people more frequently, and I believe that for him, the several games he played with Rapha by his side were successful. Rapha is a fairly composed player, therefore there isn’t much of a difference between him and Licha.
They work well together because Rapha has the same calm and ability to recognize moments as Licha, but Licha has a little more, like myself. We frequently are unable to control the moments when we have that fire inside.
“And I think Rapha complements Licha very well, just like Victor does,” she continued. But I believe he discovered the consistency as a player in Rapha, which likely improves him. They engaged in a number of games together that brought us great comfort and quality, and I think Licha is really helping us out.
Even though Lisandro Martinez has played 45 times for Manchester United since joining the team, he has only partnered with Raphael Varane in 26 games this year because of his injury problems.
Erik ten Hag will undoubtedly miss their collaboration now that the Argentine star has been ruled out of the FA Cup final and the Frenchman is back for it.
If the two are able to play together for the entire season the following year, it will provide Manchester United more consistency and definitely delight Bruno Fernandes.
