Manchester City icon Bacary Sagna calls Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez a ‘real defender’
Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has been bestowed with praise by former Manchester City star Bacary Sagna. The former French right-back, who played for the Sky Blues between 2014 and 2017, called the Argentine a “real defender”.
Martinez was bought by the Red Devils from Ajax in the recent summer transfer window. The 24-year-old did not have the best of starts to his career in Manchester. However, in recent weeks, the Argentine has thrived in our backline.
Speaking to Lord Ping (h/t Manchester Evening News), Sagna feels Martinez is a no-nonsense defender. The former City ace admires the 24-year-old’s aggression and ability on the ball.
“Lisandro Martinez at United, that guy is a real defender. He is serious – there is nothing flashy about his play. He does his job perfectly.
“Not only does he have great ability on the ball, but he relishes the duels – he engages attackers. As a defender, you have to be scary, strong.”
Martinez started in the backline alongside Harry Maguire against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. Unfortunately, in Ten Hag’s first two competitive games in the Old Trafford dugout, the Red Devils faltered.
The 4-0 loss to Brentford was especially damaging as fans were left disappointed. And the Dutch manager made some big changes following the result at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Argentine was criticised following the two fixtures. People criticised the Argentine for his performances and felt that he would struggle with the English top flight’s physicality. However, the 24-year-old has seemingly proved everyone wrong.
For the Liverpool game at Old Trafford in the Premier League, Ten Hag paired the Argentine defender with Raphael Varane. And with the French centre-back in the backline with the 24-year-old, United have not lost a single game.
The gaffer has dropped our captain to the bench. And with Martinez and Varane, United have gone on a four-game win streak in the league.
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United face City next at the Etihad Stadium on 2 October. Martinez is an important part of our defence. Fans will hope the Red Devils prolong their victorious run against the blue side of Manchester.
