Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes recently gave an exclusive interview with ESPN Argentina, where he spoke highly of his teammates Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
Fernandes praised Martinez, who joined the club from Ajax last summer and impressed during his debut season with the Red Devils.
Although the Argentine is currently sidelined due to metatarsal surgery, he is still a strong contender for the club’s Player of the Year award.
The club captain described Martinez as a fan favourite and highlighted his exceptional qualities. Fernandes also discussed the developing central defensive partnership between Martinez and Varane, likening their styles of play to “water and wine.”
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He emphasized their compatibility and the positive impact they have had on the team. Additionally, Fernandes commended Victor Lindelof for his solid performances alongside Martinez and Varane.
Fernandes said:
“I knew Licha, I’m not going to say that I knew him a lot, but I knew his qualities with the ball because I had seen some matches.”
“I knew how he came out well from behind, obviously we know that with the Argentine blood, there’s always a little more hunger there, a little more desire, so you know they always give a little more.”
“You always know that when an Argentine player arrives, he will bring you this… these things that teams often lack. I believe he arrived and did very well, the moment for the team also changed.”
“I think for him, the many games he played with Rapha at his side went well. Because Rapha is a very calm player, the difference between Licha and Rapha, as we say, is like water and wine. And I believe that Rapha complements Licha very well, like Victor, as they do.”
"LICHA SE GANÓ SU LUGAR. LA SANGRE ARGENTINA SIEMPRE DA ALGO MÁS". en diálogo exclusivo con #SportsCenter, Bruno Fernandes llenó de elogios a Lisandro Martínez.
📺 #ESPNenStarPlus pic.twitter.com/5wTMEfpCCs
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) May 18, 2023
The absence of both defenders affected United’s performance in recent games. Maguire and Lindelof did step up, but their absence was duly felt as the team looked shaky at the back line.
Both Varane and Martinez suffered injuries in the Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla, but the former’s injury was less severe.
Initially, it was anticipated that Varane might not return until the FA Cup final on June 3, but he made a quicker recovery and started in the recent game against Wolves.
However, manager Erik ten Hag may be careful and potentially rest the former Real Madrid centre-back for the final league game if United secures a top-four finish.
