download All Football App

Martinez admits he is 'surprised' by how quickly Man Utd fans have taken to him

  /  autty

Summer signing Lisandro Martinez is 'proud' of the way he has managed to build a reputation for the Manchester United fans to get behind.

The defender was signed in a £50million transfer from Ajax as Erik ten Hag's first major deal as the Red Devils' boss, however, his arrival was met with criticism as pundits and fans were concerned that Martinez would not have the physicality to cope with the Premier League.

But despite his smaller stature, Martinez has managed to prove to be an important part of United's upturn in form and he has started to gain support from the club's fans.

He told MUTV: 'I am really happy. I'm a little bit surprised, but at the same time I feel very proud.

'To come here to the best club in the world and the people say "Argentina, Argentina", it's amazing. Thanks to the fans for the support.'

The central defender has formed a solid partnership with former Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, and this partnership has helped the club win five of the previous six games.

This includes the Europa League win over FC Sheriff at the Zimbru Stadium in Moldova, as Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the goals to seal the win for the travelling side.

The 24-year-old, however, will soon be leaving Manchester as he will fly off for international duty with Argentina for friendly fixtures against Honduras and Jamaica.

Martinez was due to be involved this weekend with the rest of the Manchester United squad, but the Premier League game against Leeds at Old Trafford has been postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Boss Ten Hag has admitted that the break is 'useful' as it will allow the club to have meetings about further strengthening the team.

He said: 'It's very useful. We have many meetings, we have to improve the structures in and around the club. We will also look to the window in January or next summer already to improve our way of playing by making plans.

'Of course, [you get these] periods after a game, but we have to be ready for that and many players, let's say 90 per cent, are away.

'But the others, we will train properly and for the rest we have to prepare very well. I hope that everyone stays fit and return back healthy and then we have to get into attack.'