Martinez hails 'amazing' partnership with Varane at Man United
‘When you have that connection, you play with confidence’: Lisandro Martinez hails his ‘amazing’ partnership with Raphael Varane at Man United as they look for second straight clean sheet against Real Betis
- Lisandro Martinez has been a key player in the Man United defence this season
- The 25-year-old has formed a solid partnership with Raphael Varane at the back
- Martinez has spoken of the ‘great connection’ he shares with the Frenchman
Lisandro Martinez has spoken of the ‘confidence’ building ‘connection’ he has with Raphael Varane in the Manchester United defence.
Despite some concerns over Martinez’s suitability for the Premier League, he has thrived alongside the Frenchman this season and been a key player for Erik ten Hag.
The defensive pair played a key part in United’s League Cup triumph last month and will be hoping to stay on track for another trophy when they face Real Betis in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday.
‘Raphael Varane] is an amazing player,’ Martinez told the club’s official website ahead of the game, ‘I really enjoy playing with him.’
‘We always enjoy [being together] in training, but the good thing is [we are] working hard. We are doing an amazing job.’
Lisandro Martinez has been a key member of the Man United backline since arriving at the club last summer
He has spoken of his ‘really good connection’ with defensive teammate Raphael Varane
‘I am happy because we have a really good connection. When you have those players and that connection, you can have clean sheets and you can play [with confidence at] the back.’
It is not the first time Martinez had spoken fondly of Varane, as he said in January it felt ‘like the pair had known each other for years’ after they embraced after facing each other in the World Cup final.
United go into the second leg against Betis with a three goal advantage after bouncing back from their 7-0 trouncing by Liverpool to win 4-1 in the first leg last week.
They followed it up with a disappointing 0-0 draw with Southampton that saw Casemiro sent off for the second time this season, but Martinez and Varane did pick up another clean sheet.
The Argentine defender went on to speak of the mindset at Old Trafford, as he Continued: ‘We are Manchester United and we want to win every trophy. We have to work hard, which we are doing now.
The pair have already lifted the Carabao Cup together and could take United to an unlikely treble
‘We have to go game-by-game and believe, but we have to fight for every title.’
He later added that the connection between fans and players is ‘what football is all about’ and that United need to ‘play with heart’ to reward their supporters.
If ten Hag’s men can prevent a comeback from Betis this evening they could still be on course for an unusual treble.
With the Carabao Cup already in the bag and an FA Cup semi final to play against Fulham next week, it could be an excellent first season in England for the Dutchman.
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