What a difference one player makes. Lisandro Martinez is not only Manchester United’s best defender but arguably their best passer of a ball too.
The most important cog in Erik ten Hag‘s machine, and the sort of infectious personality capable of grabbing his team-mates by the scruff off the neck – sometimes literally – and eking 10 per cent more out of everyone else in a Red Devils shirt.
There is a reason why Pep Guardiola describes Martinez as one of the top five centre-halves in the world.
Just look at the way Lisandro Martinez responded to Alejandro Garnacho‘s opener in Saturday’s glorious FA Cup final victory over arch rivals Man City at Wembley. First, there was the congratulations. Then, an attempt to calm the Manchester United youngster, and keep his feet on the ground.
Finally, as Garnacho allowed himself one more moment of celebration, a loving admonishment reminiscent of an older brother attempting to keep his younger sibling out of trouble.
Lisandro Martinez hails Manchester United team-mate
Speaking to ESPN after a superb defensive display in which he pocketed Erling Haaland throughout, Martinez could hardly have been more glowing in his praise of his fellow Argentine, even if he insists that Garnacho still has a lot to learn and a lot to improve upon.
“He has enormous talent,” Martinez smiles, praising the teenager for hounding down Josko Gvardiol and forcing an almighty mix-up in the City backline. “And he has to believe, like in the (first) goal, where he thought there was going to be a rival mistake.
“He himself caused Gvardiol’s mistake. That is the result of when you try your hardest. The truth is that I am very proud of him because he has worked hard every day, especially at his age.
“He’s a great boy. Now, we have to help him, guide him and be with him at all times.”
An outstanding campaign for Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho, after an impressive debut season at Old Trafford in 2022/23, has now started 38 consecutive games in his follow-up campaign.
Whatever your views on Erik ten Hag – who’s future is yet to be spelled out publicly by Ineos – his handling of youngsters Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo has been nothing short of outstanding, the two Carrington graduates ensuring that Man United would end a largely disastrous campaign with silverware.
Garnacho, closing in on 100 first-team appearances already, now has 15 goals and nine assists for Man United’s senior side. It’s not just the tally that is impressive, however, but Garnacho’s penchant for producing match-changing moments in the most high-pressure of situations.
There was that last-gasp winner at Fulham, the late deciders vs Leeds, West Ham and Wolves, the assist to set up Marcus Rashford’s winner in the Manchester derby. In 2023/24, Garnacho also dragged Man United from 2-0 down to 3-2 up against Aston Villa and laid on that Amad Diallo strike against Liverpool in a bonafide FA Cup classic.
“His work-rate off the ball as well is fantastic,” United legend Wayne Rooney told TNT Sport after Garnacho won two penalties in March’s victory over Everton. “He is going to make mistakes, he’s still learning. But he has got that drive and hunger which any fan wants to see.
“I’ve been really pleased with him, and I think he will be a special talent going forward. He has probably been Man United’s best player this season.”