Manchester United fans had a lot to say about Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane after the pair reunited in defence for the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane forged a formidable defensive partnership for Manchester United in Erik ten Hag’s debut season at Old Trafford.
The two United defenders were at the heart of the backline for the 2022-23 season and Martinez and Varane were widely praised for adding much-needed stability.
However, Erik ten Hag was without the partnership of Martinez and Varane for the majority of the current season due to the two defenders suffering injuries.
Martinez, who has been an integral defensive figure for United, made an immediate impact at Old Trafford after he reunited with Erik ten Hag in 2022.
The 26-year-old Argentine defender played under Ten Hag at Ajax and was a key signing for the Dutchman when he arrived at the Premier League club.
But Martinez has seen his season hit with injuries and the 2022 World Cup winner has had his playing time reduced due to his period on the sideline.
Ten Hag was once again able to turn to Martinez and Varane for the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday after the pair were deemed fit for the match.
Martinez and Varane reunite for Man Utd
Raphael Varane, much like Lisandro Martinez, has been hit with injuries at Manchester United this season and has been sidelined when Erik ten Hag needed him.
The 31-year-old United defender is also out of contract in the summer and Varane has confirmed that he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
United have struggled defensively in the current campaign and Ten Hag’s men have seen the net pelted with shots during the Premier League season.
However, Varane and Martinez turned the clock back and produced a stunning partnership performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The two United defenders provided incredible cover for Andre Onana and showed their class against the City onslaught in the second half.
However, Martinez was forced to make way in the second half after he picked up an injury and was replaced by Jonny Evans in the 73rd minute.
Varane, on the other hand, saw out the remainder of the match as United sealed an emphatic 2-1 win over Premier League champions City.
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for United in the first half after a costly bit of communication between City duo Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega.
Kobbie Mainoo then doubled United’s advantage only nine minutes later after the England midfielder was picked out with a superb pass from Bruno Fernandes.
Jeremy Doku pulled one back for City late in the second half, but United weathered the attack from Pep Guardiola’s men and Ten Hag finally put his hands on the FA Cup trophy.
Man Utd fans react to Martinez and Varane
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, praised the superb performances of Martinez and Varane in the FA Cup final.
Red Devils supporters sent their heartfelt messages to the departing Varane, with United fans insisting that he played a key part in the win alongside Martinez.
However, United fans were all in agreement that the United duo had their “last dance” moment at the club and could sign off their partnership on a high note.
“One last dance [for] Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, and what a hell of a dance it was. Thank [you] for everything. It’s been an absolute pleasure. Au revoir, Varane,” one fan said.
Another tweeted: “Whatever happens, Varane [and] Martinez’s last dance ended with a clean sheet.”
“Varane and Martinez giving us one final masterclass together,” a third posted.
Someone else commented: “Lisandro Martinez and Varane are the reason why Man United won!”
And a fifth added: “Varane and Martinez together make so much of a difference.”
While a sixth said: “We missed Varane and Martinez – that’s what it is.”
“Varane and Martinez masterclass one last time,” another wrote.
An eighth said: “[Ten Hag] does have a point that if the preferred centre-back pairing of Varane and Martinez had been there all season we would have been higher up the table.”