Rio Ferdinand gives verdict on Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia displays for Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand has tipped Lisandro Martinez to be a big signing for Manchester United after he and Tyrell Malacia shone during the statement win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night.

After slipping to back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford in their first two fixtures, United are up and running under Erik ten Hag. Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford did the damage before Mohamed Salah responded in a 2-1 win which leaves the Reds winless after three games.

Martinez was hooked at half-time during the Brentford demolition. However, after remaining in the line-up on Monday night, the summer signing was a stand-out for United alongside Malacia and other players.

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As part of a much-needed summer rebuild, United signed Martinez from Ajax and welcomed Malacia from their Eredivisie rivals Feyenoord. Both players were known to Ten Hag from his time in Amsterdam and Ferdinand expects big things from the 'outstanding' duo this season.

Speaking on the latest episode of his FIVE podcast, Ferdinand said: "I think he carries on with this team, because I think he [Ten Hag] saw enough in that first 45 that would've made him go; 'You know what, that's a bit of me'.

"All through the game, Martinez was out to people, getting up to people, being a nuisance, there's a bit of Gabby Heinze in him, but not as rash. I really like the look of him."

Ferdinand added: "He might get isolated and targeted by teams with strikers, but will then have to work out ways to do it. If he can perform to the standard he did last night, what a big, big, big signing it could be. Malacia was also tremendous, outstanding - the whole back four were brilliant."

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