Erik ten Hag praised Lisandro Martinez after he helped Manchester United end their trophy drought against Newcastle.

Erik ten Hag lauded Lisandro Martinez for the impact he has had on Manchester United since his arrival from Ajax.

Martinez started in United’s 2-0 League Cup final win over Newcastle as the club secured their first trophy since the Europa League in May 2017.

United signed Martinez from Ajax for £55.3million in July and he has overcome a chastening start to establish himself as a cult hero among United fans.

Antony followed Martinez to United from Ajax, having won two Eredivisie titles with Ten Hag, and the United manager believes United have benefited from recruiting players accustomed to lifting silverware.

“Before the game you asked me about the influence of Casemiro and Rapha Varane – they know how to win trophies – look at all the Champions League wins they had,” Ten Hag said.

“But I think Martinez – I had him in Ajax, won trophies with him – the same with Antony. You need that personality and typical character in your squad to win in the end. Martinez is definitely one of them.

“You can count on him and you can rely on him and he showed that again today. That bond together with Rapha is really strong. As a manager on the sidelines, you are composed and can have confidence they will sort it out.”

Ten Hag was filmed dancing with Martinez and Antony as United savoured the triumph with their matchgoers after the final whistle and promised to showcase it again if they are similarly successful in the future.

“We have a history together, Licha and Antony,” Ten Hag explained. “In Amsterdam, we did some dancing and I hope we can do it even more in the future.

“Therefore we have to invest, we have to sacrifice, we have to suffer every day to win trophies.”

Kaka sends message to Casemiro after Manchester United Carabao Cup win

This was Casemiro’s first trophy as a Manchester United player, the first for manager Erik ten Hag, and the club’s first in six years.

But this is what Casemiro does. He wins trophies wherever he goes. This was a point made by none other than Brazil legend Kaka after Manchester United’s Carabao Cup win.

Kaka reached out on Casemiro’s Instagram page, writing: “Champion everywhere”.

Another former Real Madrid teammate Marcelo also hailed him as a ‘multi champion’, while current teammate Tyrell Malacia wrote, ‘different class’.

Kaka came to Old Trafford earlier in the season for Manchester United’s win over Arsenal and saw fellow Brazilian Antony score on his debut, with Casemiro also featuring as a late substitute.

It is unthinkable that Casemiro might be benched for a big game now. He has established himself as the first name on the teamsheet, when he is not suspended.

He actually had a little rest before the Barcelona games and this final due to a three-game domestic suspension. It probably worked in United’s favour.

source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk