Lisandro Martinez has continued to cement his status as a Manchester United fans' favourite after staying behind over two hours after the dramatic victory over Barcelona to meet supporters.
Second-half goals from Fred and Antony turned the Europa League tie on its head as Erik ten Hag’s side fought back from being a goal down to eliminate the Catalan giants. It continued the feel-good momentum around Old Trafford, days ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
United are the only side in Europe’s top five leagues who are battling on four fronts for trophies with the EFL Cup and Europa League added to their Fifth Round FA Cup presence and being within five points of the summit of the Premier League – they are the division’s form team.
Versatile defender Martinez has instantly become a fan favourite at United with the Old Trafford faithful regularly chanting "Argentina! Argentina!" in a show of appreciation for his performances. Martinez has established himself as a leader in the defence of Erik ten Hag’s new-look team.
Despite fierce competition for central defensive starting spots at the club alongside Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, the Argentine has always been one of the first names on the teamsheet throughout the campaign – justifying his inclusion with a string of impressive displays.
Martinez showed why he is so popular not just on the pitch at United but off it too, as he took the time to remain at Old Trafford long after the final whistle on Thursday to meet fans, pose for photographs and sign autographs.
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The Argentine international remained with fans until almost midnight as the rain began to come down in Manchester, as he showed his appreciation for those who had stayed behind to meet him.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand recently explained on FIVE when asked if the Argentine was the best central defender in the Premier League: "On form right now, I don't think there's really much argument coming from anywhere else. I think he's dominant, he's aggressive, he's a leader, communicates well, shows character, and he's there in big moments.
"But I was one of the ones questioning, 'Is he physically gonna be able to compete here if teams isolate him if teams isolate him?'. And that's where Erik ten Hag has been confident in tactically being able to keep teams away from being able to dominate enough possession to isolate someone like Martinez."
The former United defender continued: "And, up till now, he hasn't been exposed in that sense. On a regular basis, week after week, are we not sitting there going, 'That's a recurring problem, there. It continues to happen, someone's pulling out on him and jumping over him or bullying him physically'. We haven't seen that, that hasn't become the narrative, and you have to say well done to him but also well done to the recruitment up to now."
