Lisandro Martinez admits he is ‘surprised’ by how quickly Man United fans have taken to him

Summer signing Lisandro Martinez has admitted he is ‘amazed’ that Manchester United fans are already singing songs about him.

Speaking on Thursday night after Sheriff Tiraspol’s 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League, Martinez said he was “proud” that United supporters had adopted him so quickly.

The defender was signed on a £55 million transfer from Ajax and his arrival was initially met with criticism, with pundits and fans concerned that the little Argentine would not have the physical strength to face the Premier League.

But despite his smaller stature, Martinez has been integral to United’s improvement in form and is beginning to gain support from the club’s fans.

Man United supporters chant ‘Argentina, Argentina’ in support of defender

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

“To come here to the best club in the world and people say ‘Argentina, Argentina’, it’s great. Thanks to the fans for the support.’

United supporters have revived their chants of ‘Argentina’ following the arrival of Martinez. It was also sung to the likes of Gabriel Heinze and Juan Sebastian Veron during their respective spells at Old Trafford.

The defender’s performances have been part of Man United’s recent revival in form

Martinez has formed a solid central defensive partnership with former Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, who have helped the club win five of their previous six games, including Thursday’s win in Moldova.

The 24-year-old will now fly on international duty with Argentina for friendlies against Honduras and Jamaica.

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

United boss Erik ten Hag thinks the international break will be useful to help his plans for the team

Boss Ten Hag has admitted the break is “useful” as it will allow the club to discuss further strengthening the team.

He said, ‘It’s very convenient. We have a lot of meetings, we have to improve the structures in and around the club. Also in January or next summer we will look out the window to improve our way of playing by making plans.

‘Naturally, [you get these] periods after a game, but we have to be ready for that and a lot of players, say 90 percent, are gone.

“But we will train the others well and for the rest we have to prepare very well. I hope everyone stays fit and returns healthy and then we have to attack.’