Martinez congratulated for World Cup success

The Argentinian was an important member of Lionel Scaloni’s side, which was successful in Qatar in December, and recently returned to first-team training for United.

Before kick-off in tonight’s Premier League game against Bournemouth, Martinez displayed his World Cup winner’s medal to a packed Old Trafford and received applause from his United team-mates on the pitch.

As the teams walked out, supporters in the Stretford End displayed a huge flag celebrating Lisandro, who has quickly become a fans’ favourite since signing from Ajax last summer. 

The banner portrayed the flag of his native Argentina and a butcher’s cleaver – representing his nickname ‘The Butcher,’ given to him because of his combative style of play.

The flag was commissioned by fans in the Stretford End and displayed for the first time at Tuesday night’s game.

After receiving a rapturous reception from the Old Trafford faithful, Martinez took his place on the bench as a substitute in his first game back as part of the matchday squad since Argentina’s thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over France in the final last month.

Martinez is only the fifth player to win the World Cup as a Manchester United player, following Sir Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles and John Connelly for England in 1966, and Paul Pogba for France in 2018.

Our own Raphael Varane was also part of the triumphant France team in 2018 as a Real Madrid player and a runner-up in Qatar last month.   

In his pre-match interview with club media, Erik ten Hag heaped further praise on the defender and commended his amazing achievement.

“It is a reward and I think he deserved it,” said the United boss. “I think it was a great performance from the Argentinians in the World Cup.

“I think it showed when you act as a team and you play proactive football, when you have the winning attitude [you can be successful].

“He was part of it and played a massive role, and now we value that, and he got a reward, and I really enjoyed it.”