Lisandro Martinez has been named Manchester United’s player of the month for August.
The Argentine easily won the award, beating out fellow center-back partner Raphael Varane and left-back Tyrell Malacia.
Martinez, who is quickly becoming a cult hero at Old Trafford, is the first defender to win the award since Luke Shaw in February and March of 2021.
The 24-year-old appears to have won over fans with his rugged style of play, which is highlighted by his aggression, tenacity, grit, and steely determination.
Martinez had a difficult start to life in the Premier League, but he was crucial in United’s August wins over bitter rivals Liverpool and Southampton.
A club statement to announce Martinez as the winner of the monthly award said, “Martinez is building blossoming defensive partnerships with fellow nominees Varane, in the centre, and Malacia on the left-hand side of defence, and it helped us secure a first away clean sheet in the Premier League since last December.”
“It is also the first time a new signing has picked up the award in their initial month with the club since former Reds winger Daniel James back in August 2019.”
“A testament to Lisandro’s instant impact following his transfer from Ajax.”
“[Martinez] came out on top with 84 per cent when a record number of Player of the Month votes were cast in our official poll.”
“Martinez’s centre-back partner, Varane, earned six per cent of your votes.”
“Malacia garnered 10 per cent after his impressive start to life at United.”
Hopefully, this award represents the first of many for United’s Butcher!
Ten Hag on Ronaldo’s game time
Ten Hag is in a completely different situation when it comes to Ronaldo. Rather than the Dutchman fitting Ronaldo into his system, Ronaldo must fit into his.
If that means coming off the bench and starting games in the Europa League – a competition in which the 37-year-old has never played – until the World Cup, so be it.
The chances are Ten Hag will handle the situation more subtlety.
Asked after the Leicester game if it was possible one of the greatest players ever was about to be reduced to the status of bit-part player, Ten Hag replied:
“It’s really early in the season and we have a squad. We have more than 11 starting players, that is what you see now, players now on the bench can play in one, two or three weeks.”
