Erik ten Hag has warned World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez that he will be under more pressure following his success with Argentina in Qatar, and believes the Manchester United defender still has room for improvement.
Martinez returned to training at United this week following 10 days of celebrations in South America, and Ten Hag must decide whether to throw him straight back into action against Wolves in Saturday’s lunchtime clash at Molineux.
‘I think he’s sober, I’m sure he is!’ joked the Dutchman. ‘It’s definitely a boost for him. He has high self-belief and I think this experience will strengthen him even more. He has to bring that into the squad.
‘Argentina played to win, in contrast to many other nations who played not to lose. He has shown that mentality several times with Manchester United: to be proactive, that’s what I like.’
Ten Hag isn’t surprised by Martinez’s progress at United and success with Argentina this season after paying his old club Ajax £55.3million for the defender in July.
But the United boss says there is more to come from the 24-year-old who, he believes, will face an even greater challenge in the Premier League as a result of Argentina’s triumph.
‘I didn’t have any doubts, that’s why I brought him in, because I know there is high potential,’ added Ten Hag. ‘If he works well, he can make huge progress – there is room for improvement.
‘Now he is returning from the World Cup, he also has a new challenge to get over because the experience is so emotional.
‘You have to manage that as a player because opponents, even more, will be tougher against him. It’s a good challenge. If you survive the challenge, you will be a better player. That’s the player Lisandro Martinez is: he likes challenges.’
Ten Hag also paid tribute to Casemiro who has slotted back in seamlessly at United following an impressive showing for Brazil at the World Cup which included an excellent late winner in the group stage against Switzerland.
The 30-year-old excelled in Tuesday’s Premier League win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag was asked if he was surprised that Real Madrid agreed to sell him for £65m in the summer.
‘I’m happy they did,’ he replied. ‘You saw also at the World Cup that he’s a magnificent player.
‘Before the season, my analysis was that we needed a No.6 position. He is fulfilling that position. I remember pre-season we had a lot of discussions about us needing the right player. Definitely, we have the right player.
‘I’m really happy to have him because he is raising the limits of Manchester United.’
