Lisandro Martinez gives verdict on Manchester United partnership with Raphael Varane

Lisandro Martinez has hailed Raphael Varane as a “legend” of the game as his partnership with the World Cup winner continues to blossom.

The duo started together in the 2-0 win against Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova on Thursday night, the fifth time in six games they’ve been paired together at the back, helping United to three clean sheets.

Martinez has been immediately trusted by Erik ten Hag after his £56million move from Ajax this summer and having initially started the season alongside Harry Maguire, he is now thriving in a partnership with Varane.

READ MORE: United tried two tactical experiments vs Sheriff Tiraspol

The Frenchman had his fitness issues in his first season at the club, but he worked hard in pre-season under Ten Hag and has been excellent since displacing Maguire.

“Everyone knows how good he is. He is a legend for me,” Martinez said after the win in the Zimbru Stadium. “I’m really happy to play with him at the back, but every player in the team is ready to play. Every player is doing well and working hard. That’s the important point. “It’s not just Varane, it is Harry, it is Luke Shaw, it is Donny can de Beek, it is everyone. Everyone is ready, that is the good point [of where we are] as a team.”

Martinez was in the spotlight after United suffered back-to-back defeats to open the season and his lack of stature was questioned.

At 5ft 9ins he is slight by Premier League standards for a centre-back, but his aggression and physicality are prized by Ten Hag, who wanted to bring Martinez with him from Ajax.

The 24-year-old admits the adjustment was tricky to start with, but he is now thriving for United and is becoming a fan favourite.

“Well, the Premier League is the best league in the world because it