Lisandro Martinez believes he forms a complimentary central defensive partnership with Victor Lindelof at Manchester United in the absence of Raphael Varane.
Martinez was partnered by Sweden international Lindelof in Wednesday’s three-goal EFL Cup first leg semi-final win at Nottingham Forest. The duo shut the hosts out all evening while both demonstrated their ability once again to progress the ball out from defence.
Lindelof has started just four Premier League matches this campaign, but he has been included from the start in eight cup games across the EFL Cup and Europa League and was chosen to deputise for the rested Varane alongside the Argentine. Club captain Harry Maguire was suspended for the game.
While United have a well-documented lack of options in their central striking position – Wout Weghorst, who scored his first goal for the club on Wednesday, joined on loan this month to give competition to Anthony Martial following Cristiano Ronaldo ’s exit – they have depth across their squad and no more-so than in the heart of their defence.
Club captain Maguire has been usurped by the arrival of Martinez who is now first-choice defensive partner of Varane. Lindelof is another serviceable option while Phil Jones has yet to play a game under Ten Hag this campaign.
Lindelof put in an assured performance against Forest and earned the praise of Martinez after the match, with the Argentine World Cup winner explaining that the two work alongside each other in training and complement each other.
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"I think we showed many good things, but still, we have a lot to improve," Martinez said after Wednesday night’s victory. "It's a good result, I think we controlled the game today. In training, we [him and Lindelof] work with each other and I think we're doing a really good job."
Lindelof is unlikely to be starting regularly for United should both Varane and Martinez be fit and available, but the former Benfica player has done his chances no harm. The relationship shared by the two first-choice central defenders off the pitch also bodes well for United.
“Another step in the right direction! Bringing 3 points back to Manchester,” Varane wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of himself celebrating the victory with Martinez, David de Gea and Diogo Dalot. In response, Martinez wrote: "What a pleasure to play by your side brother."
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was immediately impressed by their connection, describing them as “almost like the perfect couple”. They have established themselves as fan favourites at Old Trafford this season, giving Maguire plenty of work to do to force himself back into Ten Hag’s plans.
