Unbelievable Lisandro Martinez Copa America stat showcases why United must count their blessings he’s one of their own

After Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo suffered a sobering end to their Euro 2024 campaign with England, two Manchester United representatives were able to taste glory on the international stage this summer.

Alejandro Garnacho and Lisandro Martinez were crowned Copa America champions overnight after Argentina battled until extra time to clinch a 1-0 win over Colombia, retaining the major trophy following their triumph in 2021.

It marks the first international honour for Garnacho since he was promoted to the senior squad by Lionel Scaloni in June 2023, while Martinez hasn’t been able to stop getting his hands on trophies in recent seasons; the stalwart centre-half lifted the Copa America prior to his Old Trafford switch in 2022 and proceeded to win the World Cup, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Of course, Martinez’s illustrious end to the campaign followed a severely injury-stricken season at club level – he was available for only 14 matches in all competitions across the term, with his absence sorely felt across the squad.

This summer, Scaloni finally came to his senses when it came to granting the formidable Red a starting role, as he started five out of their six matches played alongside Cristian Romero. Remarkably, although perhaps not too surprising for the Old Trafford faithful, Argentina did not concede a single goal across their campaign when Martinez was on the pitch.