Lisandro Martinez compared to two Manchester United icons and tipped to be future captain by club great

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been compared to club legends Steve Bruce and Nemanja Vidic amid his brilliant first season at Old Trafford.

The Argentine became one of Erik ten Hag's first signings after choosing to leave Ajax, similarly to the United boss. Upon his arrival at the Theatre of Dreams, questions were raised by pundits as to whether he would be able to cope with the intensity of the Premier League due to his height.

However, the 25-year-old quickly established himself in the starting line-up at United and has managed to become a first team regular alongside Raphael Varane, leaving captain Harry Maguire on the bench. While former Reds centre-back Gary Pallister told MEN Sport via aceodds.comthat he also had concerns at first with Martinez, he believes that the defender has proven doubters wrong.

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He explained: "Listen, when you hear we signed a 5ft9 centre half, you raise your eyebrows. Then when you go and play him in the first game against Brentford with Ivan Toney, you're a little bit sceptical because it probably wasn't the ideal game for him to go and make his Premier League debut in.

"But that apart, I think he's been magnificent. I think he's got that warrior mentality that somebody like Steve Bruce or Nemanja Vidic had.

"The fans have taken to him. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's tough. I'll tell you what else he is, he's a really good passer of the football.

"I think with Varane, you found that silk and steel, which has probably been the secret to good partnerships at the back in the past for Manchester United. So, yeah, he's been terrific.

"He's possibly a future captain in waiting, I got nothing but positive things to say