Lisandro Martinez wore the captain’s armband for Manchester United on Boxing Day against Newcastle.
In the absence of club captain Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Amorim had a decision to make over who leads Manchester United out with the armband.
During United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle, it was Lisandro Martinez who was opted for, as he started centre-back in a back-four alongside Ayden Heaven.
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Martinez impressed United fans as he locked down Nick Woltemade, beating the 6ft 6in centre-forward in the air.
But Rio Ferdinand isn’t just impressed with the Argentine on the pitch since making his return.
Rio Ferdinand hails Lisandro Martinez for his English and leadership
Martinez has only been back from his ACL injury for a few weeks, yet he has not missed a touch, showing top-level performances and quickly becoming undroppable alongside Matthijs de Ligt.
Amorim singled out Martinez against Newcastle, with the performance deserving lots of praise as he was seen leading his teammates.
On Saturday, Ferdinand was talking about the game on his ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents‘ YouTube channel, noting that he thought Martinez stood out as a leader.
Lisandro Martinez was named captain with Bruno Fernandes injured
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“Yeah, you can see Martinez, you wouldn’t be surprised if he became captain of this club if anything happened to Bruno.”
Continuing, Ferdinand explained that he had been impressed by Martinez’s command of English after meeting him.
“I just think he’s got a really good way about him, you know. Martinez speaks really good English. I was at the training ground the other day, and I had a little chat with him. Nothing too deep, but really impressive with his English.”
Martinez could still become a Manchester United legend
The fact that Martinez hadn’t played for 10 months, but immediately plays himself into the team, while being trusted over Casemiro and others for the captain’s armband, speaks volumes about how Amorim views him.
Martinez hasn’t suffered the fate so many do after ACL injuries, still having his movement, while he was never blessed with speed anyway, but there hasn’t been a drop off.
United will be thrilled with Martinez, and he’s back to his ‘world-class’ best right now, oozing quality and class in defence, and at 27, he could still have a few years left at the club.
The Argentine is good enough to win everything with, and if he is finally keeping himself fit, it could be a key part of the team, answered, albeit Heaven will be potentially even ahead of him right now.
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