After Manchester United took a giant stride towards the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday evening, Lisandro Martinez might want to start thinking about investing in a bigger mantlepiece.
Just three days after scoring his first United goal in Sunday's gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, the Argentine scooped the Man of the Match award at the end of the Reds' 3-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Grinning from ear to ear as he picked the trophy up at the end of his post-match interview with the rights holders, it was an accolade he fully merited.
Partnering Victor Lindelof, who had come into the side at the expense of Raphael Varane, who was granted a rare breather, in the heart of the defence, Martinez thrived, delivering another stalwart performance. Continuing to sport a bandage around his head, he produced another showing fuelled by energy and passion.
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The Argentine, who joined United from Ajax last summer for a fee of just under £57million, was - despite Marcus Rashford adding another goal to his ever-growing collection - the Reds' best performer on the banks of the Trent. He finished top of the class in just about every statistical category, completing the most clearances (four), winning the most tackles (five), successfully completing the most passes (90) and having the most touches of the ball (119).
It was yet another strong and commanding performance from United's newest cult hero, justifying manager Erik ten Hag's decision to overrule the recommendation of the Reds' recruitment team to go after Villarreal's Pau Torres during the summer window. The defender, who was ridiculed over his height, prompting fears that he would never be able to cut it in the Premier League, has made an unassailable impact.
While United, first and foremost, brought Martinez to Old Trafford to add a left-footed presence to their pool of centre-back options, they also added him to their ranks because of his attitude and application. The Argentine, who won four major trophies during his time at Ajax as well as the club's Player of the Season award last season, wears his heart on his sleeve and offers 100 per cent every time he crosses the white line. His celebration against Arsenal proved that.
He is a warrior of a defender who, though he does not fly into challenges recklessly to risk a red card, won't give his opponent a moment's rest. He makes his presence known and any opposing striker comes off the pitch knowing they have been in a battle, just as he outlined ahead of joining the Reds.
"I am called the Canisero - the Butcher of Amsterdam," said Martinez, speaking during his time at Ajax. "We Argentines do everything with passion - and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball.
"If I have to step over dead bodies I do it. I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends. That is the feeling I have - and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain."
His motivation and fighting mentality, which have resulted in him capturing the hearts of United's supporters, make him an infectious figure within the team. He has given United the injection of energy and nastiness they desperately needed last season.
Although things have significantly improved this term as a result of Ten Hag's fresh ideas and philosophy, United have been considered as being 'too soft' in recent years and lacking leaders. Martinez, though, ticks every box for what you could wish for in a leader and motivator, highlighted by his willingness to stick his head in where it hurts, be brave and show an exemplary attitude.
It is why he should be a front-runner to become United's next permanent captain. Harry Maguire has barely played this season and his future at Old Trafford seems in jeopardy, meaning Ten Hag could be tasked with appointing a new skipper on a full-time basis next season. Bruno Fernandes has done a solid job in Maguire's absence, but Martinez's characteristics make him a prime candidate.
He leads by example and brings the passion and energy the fans come to expect. With a World Cup winners medal, two Eredivisie winners medals and a few others already in the bag, plus the prospect of winning a Carabao Cup one next month, he might just be able to make room for a captain's armband in his collection somewhere.
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