When it came to pursuing the signature of a new centre-back during the summer transfer window, many Manchester United supporters were understandably sceptical of Erik ten Hag's pursuit of Lisandro Martinez.
The 24-year-old, who has excelled since arriving at Old Trafford in July, had only ever played in his native Argentina and in the Netherlands with Ajax. He lacked experience in Europe's biggest leagues and question marks were raised about whether he could cut it in the Premier League.
Deep concerns, too, were also raised about his lack of height. Standing at just 5'9", the Argentine was ridiculed before he had even arrived in the Premier League, mostly by fans of other clubs. However, United supporters, too, also had their own concerns.
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United's recruitment team had earmarked Villarreal defender Pau Torres as their primary target to strengthen Ten Hag's defence, but the Dutchman had his heart set on Martinez and ordered a move for him instead. After a difficult opening two appearances for the club, struggling against both Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, he has since excelled, becoming one of the very first names on the teamsheet.
His no-nonsense approach and never-say-die attitude has meant that he has captured the hearts of thousands of United fans, highlighted by his ever-popular 'Argentina' chant. He has settled into life at Old Trafford admirably and has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League so far this term.
His performances have gone from strength-to-strength in recent months, meaning he has done more than enough to earn his place in the Argentina squad for the World Cup. He was included in head coach Lionel Scaloni's plans for the tournament last week and will have grand ambitions of starting their opening game against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Whether he starts that fixture or not, just being part of Argentina's World Cup squad is likely to be a dream in itself for the ball-playing defender. That is because he, during his time at Ajax, outlined his ambitions of going to Qatar for the tournament, paying huge credit to Ten Hag for helping him force his way into the Argentina national team to begin with.
"I am so proud of what I have achieved at Ajax and under Ten Hag," said Martinez, as quoted by the Express, speaking earlier this year. "I grew as a player and became an Argentinian international thanks to my development at Ajax.
"And I even got to wear the captaincy armband for my country. That was the day my father cried, it was very emotional. My mum cried too, my uncles, aunties, cousins, everyone.
"The World Cup is definitely my goal. We have great players and we must all be ready for it. We won the Copa America together and can do it again."
Since joining United in the summer, Martinez has continued to go up through the gears, inspired by Ten Hag's management and the level of trust he has in him. The Reds boss was determined to be reunited with him at Old Trafford during the summer and Martinez's performances have justified exactly why.
He has been nothing short of outstanding, forming a strong partnership with Raphael Varane in the heart of the defence. Ten Hag's management and trust in him has now given him the chance to take the next step in his career.
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