Manchester United supporters are over the moon after Lisandro Martinez was recalled by Argentina for the World Cup showdown against the Netherlands at the Lusail Stadium.
With progression to the semi-finals on the line, Martinez starts in a three-man defence as the South Americans set their sights on stopping Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo in attacking quarters. Gakpo has, of course, been heavily linked with United and Erik ten Hag wanted to sign the in-form PSV player in the summer.
Gakpo, 23, scored three goals in as many Group A matches for the Netherlands to underline his credentials to play at the highest level following his Eredivisie success this season. Martinez knows that path well, too, after following Ten Hag from Amsterdam to Old Trafford this summer.
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It means there will be plenty of attention on that impending battle in Qatar tonight. Martinez has Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero and ex-Manchester City man Nicolas Otamendi for company. Argentina have made room for the United defender by switching to a wing-back system with Nahuel Molina and Marcos Acuna on the flanks.
Martinez has endured a hit-and-miss World Cup to this stage, with Argentina only starting him once in Group C for the Mexico game. However, while the 24-year-old was omitted from the starting XI against Saudi Arabia, he did get 31 minutes there before another 40 minutes in the last-16 victory over Australia.
Winning his 14th cap tonight, his inclusion has been the main talking point for United supporters on social media as they continue to react online, with some suggesting United should move for Gakpo if the Dutch forward can get the better of Martinez.
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