Wayne Rooney names the Man United summer signing he rates highly

Wayne Rooney has named Lisandro Martinez as a player he really likes the look of.

Manchester United moved to sign the centre-back from Ajax in the summer to bolster Erik ten Hag's defensive options and it's already proving to be money well spent. Martinez's height proved to be a huge talking point following his move to United, with many claiming he was too short to deal with the combative nature of the Premier League, but he has quickly gone about proving those doubters wrong with a string of fine performances.

The Argentine has quickly established himself as a fans' favourite at Old Trafford due to his tenacious tackling and uncompromising defending and Rooney rates him highly. The United legend expects he will play a big part in any success his country has at the World Cup.

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"I really like Lisandro Martínez," he wrote in The Times. "Watching him for Manchester United recently, he is really composed and aggressive. He is perfect for international football and will be a big player for them."

Rooney reckons Argentina are favourites for the tournament but believes Germany could be contenders as well. He added: "For me, Argentina are the favourites. Unlike in 2018, they have plenty of good, solid players around Lionel Messi such as Lautaro Martínez, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul and of course Angel Di Maria.

"Winning the Copa America last year will have given them confidence and has taken a bit of pressure off them. The climate will suit them too. The only thing they are missing is a No.9, that focal point in attack, but I think they will be really dangerous.

"Do not write off Germany. It was so interesting watching their Nations League game against England in September. We got back into the game and should have won it but in the first half Germany absolutely dominated. Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gundogan were unbelievable. I think Kai Havertz will have a good tournament.

"The control Germany have in games will be crucial. The tempo of games will not be as high as in the Premier League. This World Cup will be well-suited to teams, like Germany and Spain, that can keep possession."
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