Lisandro Martinez has what Manchester United need even if Jude Bellingham might not always agree

Lisandro Martinez is being painted as the pre-season pantomime villain by fans of opposition teams Manchester United have faced this summer.

His hefty challenge on Bukayo Saka against Arsenal brought about an unhappy reaction from the Gunners, while the defender’s mistimed tackle on Jude Bellingham led to the Real Madrid newcomer starting a shoving match. Martinez’s bulldog-like character is what has endeared him with the United faithful and it’s that mindset that has helped him become a success throughout his career.

It was a moment easily forgotten in Argentina’s World Cup triumph but his willingness to throw his body on the line against Australia to block a late shot in the last-16 saw his team to a narrow 2-1 win. It was a crucial act in their campaign.

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Supporters were given an insight into his all-out-win mentality when he told United fans in the away end at Southampton to hold onto the ball when it found its way into the stand in the latter stages as the visitors held on to a 1-0 win. In October, his ecstatic celebration with the travelling support at Stamford Bridge upon Casemiro’s stoppage-time equaliser cemented his status as a fan-favourite. His forthright tackles in pre-season are doing the same.

Some onlookers may find his aggressive nature uncouth during a period where many feel it's about building fitness and forming tactics rather than blood and thunder. But Martinez stated from the start how he would approach his time at United, no matter the occasion.

"I will give my 100 per cent every game, in every training