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Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United, Southampton, Premier League
Ryan Sidle
Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United, Southampton, Premier League
Lisandro Martinez was once again in brilliant form on Saturday afternoon, with the defender a key part of Manchester United's clean sheet against Southampton.
Martinez followed Erik ten Hag this summer in making the move from Ajax to United, with the new manager persuading him to go to Old Trafford rather than Arsenal, who were interested.
The decision to sign the defender, and play him at centre back, wasn't looking like a great decision after the first two games of the season.
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Martinez was criticised during the opening weekend loss to Brighton and was taken off at half time in the embarrassing 4-0 demolition by Brentford, as United went bottom of the table.
However, playing alongside Raphael Varane, the 24-year-old showed how good he was in the win over Liverpool last Monday and backed it up against Southampton.
It wasn't a great performance from United all round but the Argentina defender's highlights showed just how good he was, as he picked up his second Man of the Match award in-a-row.
Martinez's height was being questioned even before he moved to England, with the former Defensa y Justicia player standing at just 5"9.
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Even Rio Ferdinand wondered if his height, and pace, would be an issue in the Premier League, although the former United star did praise his aggression and leadership.
With the two poor performances at the beginning of the season, Martinez's physical disadvantage was once again being brought up, with questions about opposition sides trying to exploit him in the air.
However, following the win over Southampton, he's actually won 83% of aerial duels so far this season, putting him above Kalidou Koulibaly, William Saliba and John Stones.
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United are now hoping to reunite Martinez and Ten Hag with another of their former Ajax mates, with the club working on a deal for Antony.
The Brazilian forward has reportedly handed in a transfer request, as he tries to force his move to Old Trafford with just a few days of the summer window remaining.
Following the game on Saturday, United legend Paul Scholes was accused of being disrespectful whilst talking about the potential move.
The former midfielder said that Antony wanted to move to a 'proper football club,' suggesting that Ajax wasn't one.