Why the signs are promising for Manchester United’s most important player
It won’t take long to hear the first cries of ‘Argentina, Argentina’ echoing around Manchester United ends this season. Don’t be surprised if it gets an airing at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki on Saturday.
It’s been part of the United songbook for 28 years now, dating back to David Beckham’s sending-off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final, and was used as a response to the national vilification and scapegoating of Beckham.
That came towards the end of a decade when chants of ‘Stand up if you hate Man U’ could regularly be heard at England games, despite United players forming a significant part of the national side. It’s why plenty of United fans have no interest in supporting the Three Lions.
So ‘Argentina’ gets an airing whether United have an Argentine in the team or not, but it will be sung with more gusto this season because one of England’s World Cup conquerors will be returning to Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martinez paused his jubilant celebrations to consolidate Kobbie Mainoo in Atlanta on Wednesday, but the game had been classic Martinez. Although he was replaced at 72 minutes as Lionel Scaloni’s side chased an equaliser, until then he had been aggressive and combative, setting the tone for a match with real edge.
That is one of the traits that every United manager since 2022 has loved about Martinez. He might not be tall in stature, but he is in presence. He brings attitude and aggression to the back four when he plays, not to mention balance as a left-footed player.
Then there is his passing. His brilliant assist for Lionel Messi against Cape Verde was a reminder of just what he can do with the ball at his feet. For United, he can break lines and turn defence into attack with one crisp pass. That is a brilliant weapon to have and is why some coaches have considered him the most important player in the team.
The issue throughout his four years at the club has been fitness. He has started just 65 of 152 Premier League games, suffering a couple of serious injuries during his time at Old Trafford. That is why he has been allowed to enter the final 12 months of his contract without an extension being agreed.
Last season was another of frustration. He came back into the side after a serious knee injury, then missed five games with a calf injury, before a red card against Leeds saw him banned for three games.
But when he was fit and available, Michael Carrick picked him without fail, and the head coach will be looking to start next season with Martinez and Harry Maguire as his first-choice centre-back pairing.
The omens in North America are good, as well. Martinez was rested in Argentina’s final group game, but he has played in the other six fixtures without any injury concerns, including 120 minutes against Cape Verde and Switzerland.
On Sunday, he will start against Spain as Argentina look to make it back-to-back World Cup triumphs. In the winter of 2022, Martinez was making a big first impression at United. When he can play, that still stands, and he will hope his summer is a sign that the season ahead will pass without any fitness issues.
