Manchester United have not had the start to the season they would have desired – despite Erik ten Hag having a wealth of talent at his disposal.
United lost 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, in what was the Red Devils most miserable match of the 24/25 campaign yet.
Ange Postecoglou’s side ran riot at Old Trafford – which now leaves Manchester United just four points from the relegation zone in the Premier League table.
The side seems to be severely lacking a leader. A John Terry, a Rio Ferdinand, a Virgil van Dijk-esque character. Erik ten Hag’s men are simply crying out for some guidance.
Can a leader emerge from the pack? One already supposedly has the qualities of Liverpool’s latter.
Julian Alvarez lauds Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine Lisandro Martinez has not had his finest start the season – but has a ridiculous amount of talent. So much so, that former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez has given him a huge compliment.
In an interview with ESPN, Martinez’s international teammate showed immense respect to him – by stating that he is one of the toughest centre-backs he’s ever faced.
‘The Spider’ as he’s known named Licha alongside Tottenham Hotspur’s Cuti Romero, and Liverpool’s towering Dutchman Van Dijk.
When asked the question, Alvarez responded: “Van Dijk, because he’s very strong. He’s one of the best defenders in the world.”
He continues: “I faced? Cuti Romero and Licha Martinez. Cuti because he is very aggressive and one of the best centre-backs in the world now too. And Licha as well. Both of them are very similar in their aggressive defending.”
Alvarez and Martinez are on good terms outside of football – but this is a fabulous bit of praise from prior enemies at club level.
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Can Lisandro Martinez step up for Manchester United this season?
Lauded one of the worlds best – could Martinez be one of the sources as United’s savior this year? It’s hard to tell. Whilst he does possess leadership qualities, his discipline is also questionable.
A real leader around Carrington should be a tough-tackling machine, but also have a cool head. Something Licha does not, although, shockingly he doesn’t have a red card yet.
Lisandro Martinez disciplinary record at Manchester United
| Games | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
| 67 | 18 | 0 |
A future Manchester United captain? Potentially. But to really live up to the likes of Van Dijk and co – he must sort his worst issue out – his temper.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
