Lisandro Martinez has taken to Instagram with a message for one Manchester United teammate who is set to depart Old Trafford.
The Saturday just passed was arguably the greatest moment for Manchester United in the past decade considering the silverware lifted and who it was won by beating.
Erik ten Hag got it all right against Man City as United ended up deserving 2-1 victors over Pep Guardiola’s side, leaving the Spaniard utterly rattled.
It was an incredible afternoon at Wembley which also likely saw multiple United players play their last games for the club, ahead of what promises to be a busy summer.
One player already confirmed to be leaving is Raphael Varane, as the World Cup-winning Frenchman started the final, alongside Lisandro Martinez as the pair reignited their partnership one more time.
Lisandro Martinez sends a message to Raphael Varane
In the two seasons under Ten Hag so far, the partnership of Martinez and Varane has been the best centre-back pairing at the club and two trophies have been won with them starting.
But with Varane’s departure already confirmed, Saturday signalled the end of their partnership and now Martinez has sent a heartfelt message on his Instagram story.
“Brother, thank you for these two years we spent together, it was really a pleasure to play alongside you, I learned a lot. I wish you the best Rapha! You are a great.”
This a touching message for one of the game’s greatest centre-backs who has clearly had a huge effect on Martinez and his game as the Argentine when fit is one of the world’s best, as Guardiola himself admitted.
The pair were often unbeatable when together and it’s a shame to see it end. However, with this pairing gone, there can be excitement over who United will replace Varane with and see Martinez create a new partnership with.
Who will Manchester United replace Varane with?
Signing a centre-back has been of utmost importance for United this summer but with Varane’s departure and Jonny Evans likely to follow him, it’s now pivotal.
One choice to replace Varane is Lille defender Leny Yoro, who has been tipped by many as being the next Varane given their similar styles although seems to be PSG-bound.
Another could be Nice centre-half Jean-Clair Todibo who’d be an easy deal to do given they’re Ineos owned.
Aaron Anselmino is another option who’s attracting United’s interest this summer but would be one for the future, although United are said to be desperate to sign him. Tosin Adarbioyo represents great value given he’s a free agent this summer and United are said to be in talks.
So replacing Varane could be easy considering the number of quality options on show, but replacing the leadership and experience will be something else completely.