Luke Shaw believes the early-season scepticism surrounding Lisandro Martinez's height was 'nonsense'.
Martinez was criticised almost instantly after arriving from Ajax in the summer, with claims that the Argentine was too small to succeed as a centre-back in the Premier League. Such claims were repeated by Jamie Carragher after United were humiliated 4-0 at Brentford on the second weekend of the season, with the former Liverpool captain insisting his move 'can't work.'
But the 25-year-old has since made a mockery of his doubters, forming a brilliant partnership with Raphael Varane and consistently keeping attacks at bay both on the ground and aerially. Reds left-back Shaw has been able to see Martinez's impact first-hand, having played next to him for the vast majority of United's games this season, when not filling in for him at centre-back.
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"I could see his qualities, feel the passion that he brings, how aggressive he is and he’s got an amazing left foot," Shaw told the PA news agency of Martinez. "With the ball he’s so composed, so good and I think a lot of football nowadays is how well the centre-back can play out. But I think, for me, he’s got everything.
"There was obviously a lot of question over his height at the start, which, for me, was nonsense, really. He reads the game so well. With someone that intelligent, I don’t think it matters how tall you are or not, wherever you play, as long as you read the game well.
"For me, he does that and I love playing next to him. He’s an amazing player and still really young. He’s only going to get better and better, I think."
The pair will likely be working in tandem once again on Sunday when United face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. Erik ten Hag has a chance to end a six-year trophy drought at the first time of asking, and Shaw has praised the Dutchman for bringing the feel good factor back to the club.
"I think there’s a lot more enjoyment now back in around the place – not just on the pitch but off it," he added. "The staff around the training ground seem much more happier and in a much better place, and I think it shows on the pitch. I think we’ve still got a lot to improve on, but I think the signs right now are in a really good moment to show that we’re pushing in the right place.
"Of course still in four competitions and in a massive final that means a lot to us. It feels like we’re in a really good path and there’s a lot of enjoyment. The sort of feel-good factor’s back here and I think that’s all we really need to focus on."
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