Lisandro Martinez: United fans chanting 'Argentina' makes me 'feel very emotional'

When Lisandro Martinez was substituted for Harry Maguire after 90 minutes during Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday, the referee indicated that he should leave the pitch by the goal line. That was fortuitous for the central defender since it was right in front of the 600 travelling United fans.

“Argentina! Argentina!” they hollered into the warm Moldovan air, just as they had sang the same for Juan Sebastian Veron, Gabriel Heinze and Carlos Tevez. The players loved it; they didn’t expect to hear their country’s name shouted in a land which fought Argentina in a 1982 war. United fans also waved Argentina flags.

“It makes me feel very proud, I’m really happy to feel this love from the fans,” Martinez, 24, said after the Thursday's Europa League game in Chisinau. “It is amazing every game they sing ‘Argentina, Argentina’ because that is my country. I love my country and if they say that it makes me feel very emotional.”

The raffish, organised noise fan culture at football games in Argentina makes that of England appear tame, but Martinez is impressed with atmosphere at English stadiums.

“I was surprised to be honest because I had never been to England before and I really love the passion of the people,” he said. “It’s not just Manchester United, it is every stadium. It is amazing, that passion, it is amazing to play like that. Every stadium you can feel the atmosphere and that is great for me because I want to play every game at 100 per cent.”

So his first impressions have been positive, and fans are warming to him and his efforts. Martinez could have gone to Arsenal and lived in London, but opted for Old Trafford after three years at Ajax under Erik ten Hag.

“I chose Manchester United because