When gauging Manchester United fans’ opinions on the current squad, one player who tends to unite the Old Trafford faithful is Lisandro Martinez.
Even beyond the centre-half’s stellar showings in his maiden Red Devils campaign, his passion when wearing the shirt and the way he speaks about the club – despite having no prior links – makes you think he was raised a Red like everyone else in the stadium.
“You have to be grateful,” he told MUTV back in December 2023, in an interview that only further boosted his reputation amongst supporters. “Look at this place, look at the badge, look at the stadium, the people, the fans, the passion. You just have to fight for your people. You have to fight for everybody.
“It is not just about you – it is about millions and millions of people. We need to be humble. Put the feet on the ground and go, go, and do not stop. No excuses, and that is it.”
Having a player with such grit and determination to put the club back on its pedestal has been sorely missed in recent years.
Martinez prompts social media stir
However, it appears as though Martinez didn’t consider the implications of his actions too carefully when sharing a post on social media overnight.
Having now joined up with the world champions for the forthcoming international break, the defender shared a snap smiling alongside compatriot Alexis Mac Allister. Usually, nobody would bat an eye at such a post – of course, players are going to put their club allegiances aside when lining up together for their country, and that’s perfectly fine.
En casa 😁🇦🇷 @Argentina pic.twitter.com/Ci6GaLJfzA
— Lisandro Martinez (@LisandrMartinez) September 3, 2024
But Martinez’s timing is what has caused something of a stir in the fanbase, given that it came just over a day on from United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
This is proper sh*te from Martinez.
But the sad reality is players in this generation don’t care about rivalries the way players did a decade ago.
I hate the way football is now. pic.twitter.com/auePskp13k
— Alexei (@MUFC_redarmy99) September 3, 2024
Some people just don't get it, so let me try to break this down..
No one is questioning Licha's commitment to the club because if there's one player who fights and gives absolutely everything for the badge, it's him. If there's one player who understands what wearing the United… https://t.co/Wu7Hp5nxD4
— Alex (@MUFCFinest) September 3, 2024