The relationship between Manchester United and Argentina is one of the most fascinating in English football.
Despite the tense political history between the UK and Argentina, Old Trafford remains a rare haven in English football where Argentine players are deeply adored.
It’s rebellious but sends a clear message to the players: we’ll back you to the hilt.
Admittedly, not all of the Argentine players signed by United received the same affection by the time they left the club. The likes of Angel Di Maria and Carlos Tevez are examples of those who departed under a grey cloud.
Let us hear your thoughts on Thomas Tuchel’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo
Lisandro Martinez is a red, he loves Argentina
Following Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England, Lisandro Martinez sparked controversy by waving a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands – or the Malvinas, as they are known in Argentina.
The Manchester United centre-back, who started the game against England, was among the Argentina players who celebrated with the banner which read: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas.”
Speaking after the match, Martinez explained (via The Guardian): “I can picture a Malvinas veteran seeing that and weeping. I don’t know if there might be sanctions or not, but what they did was display that banner and assert that the islands belong to us.”
While it remains to be seen how FIFA will react – given that political banners are a breach of stadium rules – there has also been some backlash in the UK. However, this is not something that should concern Martinez when he returns to United later this summer.
Martinez has been linked with Atletico Madrid, but he has no reason to leave Old Trafford for fear of losing the respect of the fan base. Of course, some United fans will take issue with his actions (you can’t please everyone), but he can expect plenty of support on the terraces next season.
United fans have chanted “Argentina! Argentina!” in the past for many reasons: to celebrate star players and cult heroes, but also as a direct response to the unfair treatment players have received while playing for England.
Look at how David Beckham was treated after the 1998 World Cup. He was single-handedly blamed for England crashing out of the tournament in the Round of 16 after receiving a red card for kicking out at Diego Simeone. Effigies of Beckham were burned in the streets, and distasteful songs about his family echoed across stadiums in the UK.
Another example of United players being treated appallingly while playing for England is Wayne Rooney, despite him being the best English player of his generation. When England fans booed the team off the pitch following a scoreless draw against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup, Rooney turned to a TV camera to say: “Nice to see your own fans booing you. Loyal supporters.”
These are not isolated incidents. England fans booed Harry Maguire in 2022, and players like Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick never got the appreciation they deserved in an England shirt.
Essentially, it’s one of the reasons why United fans have long proudly sung: “World champions twice, once more than England, world champions twice.”
- 🇦🇷 Every Argentina international to play for Manchester United
- Juan Sebastian Veron
- Gabriel Heinze
- Carlos Tevez
- Angel Di Maria
- Marcos Rojo
- Sergio Romero
- Alejandro Garnacho
- Lisandro Martinez
FACT: Youri Tielemans is the best value signing any Premier League club will make all summer!
We challenge you to disagree! How would you rate this deal out of 10?
What has Lisandro Martinez said about Man Utd fans singing Argentina?
In 2022, shortly after signing for United from Ajax, Martinez heard the United fans singing: “Argentina! Argentina!”
Martinez told MUTV that he was surprised by the chant: “I am really happy.
“I am a little bit surprised by that, but at the same time I feel proud to come here, the best club in the world and for the people to say ‘Argentina, Argentina’ for me it is amazing. Thanks to the fans for the support.”
It was the same for all of the Argentine players who came before him, including Gabriel Heinze and Marcos Rojo.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
