Berbatov compares Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez to club legend

Lisandro Martinez has been compared to legendary former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic by ex-Reds striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian maestro praised Martinez for his start to his United career, lauding his willingness to put his body on the line and fight for his teammates. He also suggested that his commitment, aggression and passion remind him of Vidic.

Martinez has made 21 appearances for Erik ten Hag's side so far this season - featuring in every single match for the Reds. The 24-year-old has started on 19 occasions and very quickly formed a solid partnership with French centre-back Raphael Varane.

Berbatov claimed that the Argentine plays without fear and does everything required to help his side be successful on the pitch, including fighting for the team.

"Lisandro Martinez, I think he has no fear. No fear," he told club media. "He is going into challenges and just in a way, a small way, he reminds me of Vida [Nemanja Vidic] because he is putting himself out there with the body and trying to fight for the team."

United's 2010/11 top scorer also admitted that he was impressed with Brazilian star Casemiro following his arrival at Old Trafford - likening him to his former teammate Darren Fletcher.

He added: "Casemiro was a rock at Real Madrid. I mean he was someone who is doing the dirty work. Someone who does not necessarily take the applause. Or does not get the headlines.

"But you need players like that. [Darren] Fletcher was like that. He is running up and down the pitch and doing the dirty work. You need basically to have players like this and Casemiro is exactly that type of player that can give you that confidence in front of the defence and give a breath of fresh air sometimes.

"And you know if he is there, he will help. And he's selfless as well; he's that guy who can do that on the pitch. I am happy to hear that, in the dressing room, he is also the guy who has been integrated quickly into the team and that helps as well. That's good to hear, it's great for everybody."

Berbatov went on to laud Christian Eriksen, stating: "Eriksen has a great mind and he knows where to pass the ball – something that I always love.

"Players like Eriksen, players like [Kevin] De Bruyne. Players like Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, like [Zinedine] Zidane. This type of player, they are two or three steps ahead of the game.

"Is football intelligence coachable? That's a great question and honestly I hesitate how to answer that, because probably you can teach it, but in a small way. But the really good ones? They're just naturally gifted with that thing."