Manchester United are getting ready for yet another gruelling season as Erik ten Hag prepares his side for their second campaign under the Dutchman, having enjoyed a promising first term together.
Ten Hag, tasked with turning the club’s fortunes around after six trophyless years, did just that when he ended the long wait for silverware and secured a return to the Champions League.
Lisandro Martinez was one of the many success stories from last season as the Argentine followed his former Ajax boss to Old Trafford.
The World Cup winner was initially criticised for things he cannot control, like his height, but quickly emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading defenders.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolves, Martinez has commented on the demands of playing for the club and praised his team-mates for their mentalities.
“Well, I think when you look at this badge, you need to feel hungry,” Martinez is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
“Motivation, you know, as this club demands everything, everything to win. So I think we have really good players and with a big mentality.
“I think it’s very important. If you want to win, you need to be ready and sharper every day.
“I think the coach did an amazing job, he chose very well. The players who are here, they are amazing and I think we are really happy with them.
“So we’re looking forward to working together when the season starts and [hopefully to] win every game.”
Martinez had his first season at the club cut short last year when he sustained a serious ankle injury in the Europe League quarter-final against Sevilla last year.
He missed the crucial run-in as a result, with partner-in-crime Raphael Varane also missing a sizeable chunk of United’s final few games.
The pair will reunite to form United’s centre-back pairing on Monday when Wolves make the trip to Old Trafford and Ten Hag will be looking to begin as they mean to go on.
