Sky Sports pundits praise Man United ace as a ‘leader’ after performance against Fulham

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A key Manchester United player has earned praise after the Red Devils’ victory over Fulham.

Manchester United kicked off their season with a 1-0 victory over Fulham with a late Joshua Zirkzee goal enough to hand Erik ten Hag’s side the victory.

Lisandro Martinez played well and caused Jamie Carragher to backtrack over his criticism of the Argentine defender and the former Ajax ace looked to be back to his best for the Red Devils.

With Matthijs De Ligt joining United, Martinez could be one of the winners from the deal and the Argentine has received praise for his performances.

Lisandro Martinez praised

Speaking to Sky Sports (1:28pm), Clinton Morrison was full of praise for the Argentine defender as United prepare for their next game against Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium.

“The huge positive for Man United is Martinez being fit,” Morrison said. “They have to keep him fit for the whole season. I think he is the leader.

“I think he showed with Adama Traore at times in the game. He has got the character, he likes going toe-to-toe.

“He has been brilliant, and they have missed him when he has not been available. I think the big signing will be to keep him fit.”

These comments were echoed during Sky’s live coverage, with Gary Neville noting: “He has got a massive personality on the pitch. I think when United got him in the team, they are all more aggressive.

“He has got the Argentinian sort of fire and spirit, it’s just there right the way through. I think the fact that he speaks with belief and authority will give his teammates comfort.”

Roy Keane agreed too, adding: “He has got a bit of a personality, hasn’t he? He has got a bit of a character. We talk about the technical ability of football at Man United, but I keep coming back to it. You need a bit of character, you need to show personality, and it looks like he has got plenty of that.”

Martinez was one of United’s most injured players last season and it will be imperative for the Red Devils and Erik ten Hag that he can remain injury-free.

Ten Hag kicked off United’s Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Fulham thanks to a Zirkzee goal with just three minutes on the clock.

Martinez vital for United

Whilst United have Leny Yoro and De Ligt, keeping Martinez fit for the remainder of the campaign could be the difference for Ten Hag.

The defender’s ability to play through the lines and allow the Red Devils to progress up the pitch is second to none and if United are to make an assault towards the Champions League places in the Premier League.

Martinez’s injury problems were such a concern for United and if he can stay fit for the remainder of the season, United could be in for a big campaign.