The lingering presence of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United continues to be a source of much debate.
As the cameras panned to arguably the greatest manager of all-time during Sunday’s latest heavy defeat to arch rivals Liverpool, does the continued sight of Sir Alex Ferguson on the Old Trafford terraces serve to undermine the man currently in the dugout?
That is an argument that has been run countless times over the last decade. Starting with David Moyes’ ill-fated nine month reign and all the way up to Ten Hag’s third season at the Manchester United helm.
The counter-argument, of course, is that – with Ferguson looking down from the stands like a god from the heavens – those currently wearing the famous red shirt have a constant reminder of what this famous old institution represents, and the standards they must aspire to again.
Lisandro Martinez opens up on Sir Alex Ferguson meetings
Lisandro Martinez, arguably one of the very few current United stars who could fight for a place in Ferguson’s finest sides, certainly does not shy away from Ferguson’s continued involvement.
Rather, he embraces the expectation and the pressure of representing such a club.
What’s more, with Ineos chief and avid Red Devil fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen to ensure his United embrace the glorious past rather than run away from it, the 13-time Premier League winner appears to have been given a central – if unofficial – role in the club’s attempted rebuild.
“I have met Ferguson three or four times,” Martinez tells La Nacion. “Ferguson is the God of Manchester. He is a person who gave a lot to the club and who continues to give because he remains connected.
“Now, the new owners have also included him.”
Martinez would like nothing more than to spend a mere half-hour in Ferguson’s company. Until then, however, he will have to make do with the odd ‘well done’.
“When we won the World Cup (with Argentina), we spoke a little. He congratulated me. Later, also when we won the Carabao and the FA Cup…” adds the former Ajax defender, so impressive in May’s Wembley victory over Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
Martinez explains his one wish is for more time with Ferguson, but would never go as far as to demand or even request it.
“He is a legend of world football but I respect people’s privacy. Of course, I would like to be able to talk to him, actually listen to him, but I would not dare to invade his space.”
Manchester United embracing history under Ineos
Martinez has won four trophies since moving from Amsterdam to Manchester back in 2022. Two for United, and two for Argentina.
Ratcliffe, meanwhile, has been keen to strengthen the communication between United and their most successful-ever manager.
The Failsworth-born billionaire spoke to Ferguson on a handful of occasions when finally agreeing his partial takeover around the turn of the year.
“I’ve met Sir Alex, two or three times since Christmas,” Ratcliffe told Man United’s official website in February. “I knew him a little bit anyway. I mean he’s the world’s (most) iconic coach, and he’s just an essential part of that Manchester United history.
“I mean, he has made history for Manchester United in those 27 years he was there really. And, you know, he was the greatest manager of his generation.”
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
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