Nemanja Vidic has praised Lisandro Martinez’s impact since joining Manchester United and believes his partnership with Raphael Varane will get even better.
The World Cup-winning Argentine has become an instant fans’ favourite at Old Trafford with his combative and tenacious displays in the heart of the defence.
There had been some question marks over whether Martinez’s lack of height would be a problem in the Premier League, but he has firmly put those concerns to bed – with even Jamie Carragher finally admitting he was wrong to write him off at the start of the season.
Martinez’s partnership with Varane is now being likened to that of Vidic and Rio Ferdinand’s by supporters, and the Serbian certainly feels they are on the right path.
‘Lisandro came just six months ago, so he did really well. He brings energy, he likes to defend. He seems like he’s enjoying playing in England. He was a great signing,’ Vidic told The i.
‘Varane is an experienced player, he has a few issues with injuries but definitely I think there’s more to come from them.
‘The more they play together the better the partnership will be. I’m really pleased with how Lisandro did when he joined the club.
‘There were some issues, people were concerned if he could play in England, but as an ex player and a defender I’m really happy how he’s playing and especially that energy he gives to the team, that aggression and winning mentality.’
Vidic was also full of praise for new manager Erik ten Hag, continuing: ‘Erik ten Hag makes players better. He’s a good coach — that’s very important.
‘He’s working on the pitch all the time with them. He’s very stable as a person. He was already working for a big club and it seems like his approach is that nothing comes straight away, it’s hard work.
‘He sees the longer picture. Even if you lose the match or win the match, where he wants to go. He gives me confidence as an ex-Manchester United player and fan that he knows what he’s doing.
‘You can see on the pitch that they’re playing more as a team. Ten Hag has good values. That’s important. I think we lost in a certain moment that value but now I think he’s giving that back. And it feels now that they’re playing as a team.’
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