Lisandro Martinez: Man United defender points out potential reasons behind his dynamic nickname

Arguably the best defender at Manchester United, Lisandro Martinez, has drastically forayed his way into the heart of all United fans from across the world.

Standing at just 5’9” Lisandro Martinez was predicted to be a flop in the Premier League by many. However, the Manchester United star has surely managed to shut down all of his haters and doubters, thanks to his consistently splendid performances donning the United shirt.

Martinez’s defensive prowess has been the talk of the town for quite a while now, the Argentine also enjoys a healthy amount of fan following as fans waving the Argentine National flag at Old Trafford has become a common sight now.

And as usual, the passionate fans of United were ready to welcome their new defensive darling with a nickname due to his impact on the field. Much to their relief, Martinez already had quite a nickname, “The Butcher.”

In a recent conversation with the Mirror, the World Cup winning centre back shed some light on the origin of his nickname. Speaking on the topic, he confessed that he wasn’t exactly sure why is he called “The Butcher” but pointed out what could be the reason behind such a sobriquet. Alluding his name to his aggressive playing style, the 25-year-old said:

“I don’t even remember who gave me the nickname. It must be because I’m aggressive in the way I play my game. I did once make a vacuum (a cut of Argentine beef) in my house, so in one way the nickname suits me! But the truth is that I do go to each challenge like it is going to be my last one.”

Martinez continued by saying how he has improved his style of play, especially as a ball-playing centre-back. He also stated that he is willing to work harder in his quest to grow more.

“Having said that, I have greatly improved the way I read the game and how to make decisions. I have also grown in the way I pass the ball. And I want to continue improving absolutely everything.

“There is no limit for me. But if I want to go higher, I have to work for it – and that will always be the reality.”

In less than a year, Martinez has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford. However, his start to the United shirt wasn’t from the fairy tales. In his first few matches, the Argentine was subjected to a lot of criticism as United lost two consecutive matches. The way, the left-footed defender turned the tide warrants appreciation.

Talking about his time at Ajax and how the initial days were tough for him, he said:

“I really suffered with the intensity with which they play in Ajax. It really is incredible – as well as the reading of the game that everyone has. I suffered a lot at first, so much that I wanted to cry. But at the same time, I knew that I was going to adapt, that it is normal to struggle when you pass from one team to another. But you discover at a very young age what you are ready to put up with to become a footballer.”

The former Ajax man, further reflected on his childhood and said: “I lived in a boarding house when I joined Newell’s and I learned during my time there that you have to fix things yourself when they are broken. I was very close to my parents, who did everything for me, but suddenly I had to take responsibility.

“Making friends was the most beautiful thing. We learned to defend each other because we are a family – and that is incredible. Already as a boy, you have the maturity of a 20 or 22-year-old.”

“I am on the side of the people who really need things, Martinez said. “When something annoys me, even just a little, I don’t let it go and I try to send at least a message of support.

“It is not my thing to get into politics. I’m not interested in that and people get confused by it. I just want to help people. We are all human beings and we all have the right to have an opinion.”