Manchester United are reportedly ready to hand star defender Lisandro Martinez a £50,000-a-week pay rise following his excellent debut season.
According to The Sun, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is set for a bumper pay rise in recognition of his fine performances this season. He currently earns £120,000 per week and might soon be on a £170,000-a-week deal.
The Argentina international has been a revelation and a key part of the Red Devils’ success since joining them from Ajax in a deal worth £55 million last summer. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants his defenders to be proactive and comfortable with the ball on their feet. And Martinez has proven exactly just that.
He quickly established himself as a vital member of Manchester United’s squad and created a formidable partnership alongside Raphael Varane. After United’s lethargic start to the season, many people raised questions about whether a 5ft 9in tall centre-back would be able to cope with the rigours of the Premier League.
However, his hugely impressive performances have rightly silenced all the critics who doubted him due to his diminutive stature. The 25-year-old wears his heart on his sleeve and defends with everything he has, making him a fan favourite among Manchester United supporters.
He is not just a very solid defender at the back but also helps his team build-up phase by playing line-breaking passes. His pinpoint ball-playing skills, distribution, concentration, tenacity, and ability to win key challenges make him a standout compared to other Premier League defenders.
It is unfortunate that he has been ruled out for the final run-in of the 2022/23 season after a metatarsal operation. Martinez should return in time for pre-season. And it won’t be surprising if he signs his new bumper contract by then.
Per the report, the Red Devils are prepared to reward him with a salary hike that could see his basic wages increase from £120,000 to £170,000-a-week with a renewal. But he will have to wait until the saga surrounding Manchester United’s ownership has been finalised.
There is currently a protracted ownership saga at Old Trafford. And Martinez’s new contract could materialise once the Glazers make their final call regarding the sale. Recent reports have even suggested the Red Devils consider Martinez a vital cog in Ten Hag’s project going forward.
Manchester United also see the World Cup winner as a future captain of the team, with the 25-year-old an authoritative figure inside the dressing room. And Martinez is not the only player the Red Devils are talking with as they plan for a brighter future.
They could hand new deals to some of their key first-team stars. Personal terms have been agreed with David de Gea over a new deal. And they are also hoping to tie Marcus Rashford and Diogo Dalot down to a new deal.
