MART SIZES UP WOLVES

THE reason why Lisandro Martinez carries the nickname ‘the Butcher’ is a simple one.

In his own words, he is “fighting for food for my family and friends”.

It does not necessarily follow he routinely wields a meat cleaver – but most Manchester United fans would understand the sentiment behind it.

Given the moniker by supporters at his former club Ajax, it is the ingredient that has sadly been missing at Old Trafford.

You can sprinkle all the stardust you like on the best players money can buy. But if there is one reason Erik ten Hag’s progress has stalled, then Martinez’s lengthy absence with a foot injury helps explain it.

You need someone who will treat every game as if it’s his last and takes it personally when the opposition has a shot at goal, never mind scores. For too long that edge has been lacking at the heart of the Dutchman’s defence.

But other factors make the South American (above) such a key feature of the success Ten Hag enjoyed.

For a start, his passing ability and calmness – not just when in possession – is a vital ingredient of any successful side.

And while his detractors will say at 5ft 9in he’s is too small to be effective in the Premier League, it overlooks other key qualities. It happened again last night. United, two goals up, left the door unlocked at the back just after the break. Wolves’ skipper Max Kilman met a free-kick with keeper Andre Onana in no man’s land, and Martinez raced back to boot the ball clear.

Big moments call for big characters – and there is no doubt Martinez’s influence on United is certainly that, regardless of his size.