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Lisandro Martinez is becoming the monster centre-back Man Utd needed, his West Ham highlights are immense

Lisandro Martinez is becoming the monster centre-back Man Utd needed, his West Ham highlights are immense

Another clean sheet for the Argentina international.

Lisandro Martinez has solidified himself as the favourite player of every Manchester United fan after an incredible performance against West Ham United.

Marcus Rashford's header in the first half was enough to extend United's unbeaten run to eight games, but it didn't come easily.

West Ham grew into the contest, with the final 15 minutes being a game of attack vs defence in favour of the away side.

United held on and kept a clean sheet to move up to fifth in the Premier League table. At full-time, the name of one defender, in particular, was on everyone's lips.

Martinez was once again a standout performer for United at the back, a regular occurrence since his summer arrival from Ajax.

The Argentina international wasn't fazed coming up against West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca. Much has been made of how Martinez, who stands at 5ft 9, will perform against some of the Premier League's more physically demanding strikers.

It looks like we got our answer on Sunday evening. The 24-year-old wasn't afraid to mix it up with Scamacca, even receiving a boot to the face for his trouble while heading a cross away.

Martinez went toe-to-toe with Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio too, coming out on top against both.

Martinez tackles Antonio, who replaced Scamacca in the second half. (Image
Alamy)

It does Martinez a huge disservice claiming he's only about getting stuck into tackles, however. Martinez completed 58 passes and took 79 touches on the ball, proving he's a vital part of Erik ten Hag's team.

Supporters on social media were very impressed with Martinez's performance. He's definitely living up to his 'Butcher of Argentina' moniker.

One person said: "I don’t even need to talk about Lisandro Martinez, by now everyone should know he’s the best defender in the world."

Another put: "So funny how they don't talk about Lisandro Martinez again. He's completely shut them up with back-to-back solid performances that have become normal."

A third tweeted: "People mocked him for his height. How stupid do they look now?"

While someone added: "Anyone still think Lisandro Martinez is still too short to play centre-back in the Premier League? No? Good."

United captain Harry Maguire started alongside Martinez for the first time since August's 4-0 defeat to Brentford. Maguire, who regularly played as the left-sided centre back for United last season, was on the right again on Sunday.

Former United defender Gary Neville thinks it's something he needs to get used to, given Martinez's stellar performances.

He remarked on Sky Sports: "Harry Maguire has to get used to playing on the right side of Manchester United's defence because there is no way he's going to get his spot on the left side. Lisandro Martinez has made that position his own."

Featured Image Credit: The Coaches Comps/YouTube

Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United, Premier League, West Ham United