Evra believes Martinez is one of Reds’ top additions
LISANDRO Martinez has been praised by Patrice Evra as one of the best signings the club have made in years.
The Argentine was one of six new arrivals under Erik ten Hag this summer in a transfer window that saw £225million spent by the Reds.
The former Ajax centre-back has carried on his fine club form during the World Cup, putting in a dominating performance for Argentina during their 2-0 win over Mexico over the weekend.
“This is one of the best signings we’ve had for years at Manchester United,” said former left-back Evra of Martinez.
“It’s because of his fighting spirit. That’s what United fans want to see – those players have to bleed for the shirt.
“People were talking about his height and I was laughing. Some people said I was too small when I arrived in the Premier League as well. When you play with that heart and passion, size doesn’t matter.
“When he gets the ball, he is so clean and composed.
“Mexico were pressing everywhere but every time he got the ball he was calm and playing forward. That’s what I love.
“He doesn’t play those one-metre balls to the next player. This is easy.
“I remember Per Mertesacker at Arsenal, the stats said he never lost the ball – but he was passing it one metre, I can do that every day. But Martinez puts the ball through the lines like Michael Carrick.
“That’s what he does and I love that. What a player, what a player.
“All the other aspects of his game are great. I remember speaking to Edwin van der Sar and other people at Ajax about him and they all said he was aggressive and tenacious but also great on the ball and can pass.
“Top defenders now need to have both sides of the game.”