FOOTBALL: Lisandro Martinez is a ‘proper’ defender and does his job ‘perfectly’, says former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna

Lisandro Martinez is a ‘proper’ defender and does his job ‘perfectly’, says former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna. Bacary Sagna has hailed ‘proper’ defender Lisandro Martinez and says the Argentine has given Manchester United’s attacking players the perfect platform to play.

Ajax reluctantly allowed Martinez to move to Old Trafford in August, with United agreeing to pay a fee of around £47million.

The defender started the season alongside Harry Maguire but United lost their first two Premier League fixtures.

However, since Raphael Varane’s return to the side, Martinez’s performances have gone up to a new level and he was named United’s player of the month for August.

As well as his tenacity in defending, Martinez has impressed with his ability on the ball and his tendency to start attacks.

And Sagna, who played for Arsenal and Manchester City, says Martinez is exactly the type of player that United have been missing in recent years.

Lisandro Martinez is a ‘proper’ defender and does his job ‘perfectly’, says former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna. ‘Lisandro Martinez at United, that guy is a real defender!’ Sagna told Lord Ping.

‘He is serious – there is nothing flashy about his play. He does his job perfectly. Not only does he have great ability on the ball, but he relishes the duels – he engages attackers.

‘As a defender, you have to be scary, strong. Some defenders forget they are defenders, they want to be skilful at the back.

‘He makes United solid and gives a platform for their attacking players to shine – that is the job of a proper defender.’

Erik ten Hag will be without Harry Maguire for around a fortnight after the defender sustained a hamstring injury on international duty.

England skipper Harry Kane said Maguire was ‘playing on one leg’ towards the end of the side’s 3-3 draw with Germany and that’s proved costly, with the defender set for a spell on the sidelines.

While Martinez and Varane had always been likely to retain their spots for the Manchester derby, United face nine fixtures in 27 days next month and need to call on their squad.

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