WE’VE GOT THE SPIRIT OF ’86

United star Lisandro: Maradona is guiding us

FROM SIMON MULLOCK in Doha

LISANDRO MARTINEZ revealed the Hand of God is guiding Argentina’s Class of 2022.

World Cup-winning genius Diego Maradona died in November 2020 aged 60.

And three days before the second anniversary of his passing, Manchester United defender Martinez has spoken of his legacy.

Maradona will never be forgiven in England for getting away with punching the ball into Peter Shilton’s net in the

1986 quarter-final in

Mexico before then leading his nation to glory.

But ace

Martinez

(right) said: “It is still an enormous sadness that

Diego left us so suddenly. It was a very hard blow. Without doubt, Diego should be in Qatar to encourage us, be with us, support us.

“It is hard, but we have to believe that he’s with us in this place. We have to see it that way.”

Martinez, 24, has become a cult hero with the Old Trafford fans since his £56.7million arrival from Ajax in the summer.

The central defender is short in stature - but he has lived up to his nickname ‘The Butcher’ with his aggressive approach.

Martinez believes he has continued to develop in Manchester under the guidance of his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag. He is likely to start the World

Cup on the bench when Lionel Scaloni’s men face Saudi Arabia today but Martinez is living his dream.

He was born in Gualeguay, the city that also produced Jorge Burruchaga, the skilful midfielder who scored the winning goal in the 1986 final against West Germany from Maradona’s pass.

Martinez added: “I know every player will say to play at the World Cup is a dream but I have been dreaming since I was a child.

“When I was given my first Argentina jersey, I used to imagine when I was playing on the street that I was at the World Cup. Now it is happening, now I am really going, I want to make my family and the fans proud.

“Playing in the Premier League, even for a short time, has improved me as a player.

“I have always enjoyed the physical aspect of the game but in England the game is very physical so I have been working hard to make sure I am always at 100 percent no matter what player I am up against.

“Going to the World Cup will also help me improve as a player. We are prepared, working very well and looking forward to the game.

“The important thing is we think game by game.”