Manchester United reportedly enquired about Lautaro Martinez over the summer and now the Inter Milan captain is proving his ‘world-class’ credentials in Serie A.
If Manchester United’s new number 11 Rasmus Hojlund is very much a work in progress – albeit one heading rapidly in the right direction – then Lautaro Martinez is edging closer and closer to ‘finished product’ territory.
Since inheriting the captain’s armband at Inter Milan, the Argentina international has taken his game to an all-new level, his finishing sharper than a tiger shark’s teeth. In just six Serie A starts this season, Martinez has a remarkable nine goals.
He even scored four off the bench against Sassuolo in September. Lautaro’s very own ‘Solskjaer versus Nottingham Forest’ moment.
And, according to Inter team-mate Benjamin Pavard, there is no doubt now that the World Cup winner belongs among the very highest echelons of centre-forwards.
Man United eyed Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez
“Lautaro is a world-class striker,” Pavard tells Rai Sport. “And he is proving it every year and will continue to do so. He is a leader of this team and our captain.
“I hope he will extend his contract here at Inter. I am very happy to be a team-mate of such high calibre player. He is extremely important for this team.”
According to Italian agent Mario Cenolli, speaking to Calciomercato’s TV Play in early June, h Manchester United had ‘requested information’ about Martinez’s availability before turning their attention to another Serie A marksman.
The always-excellent Muppetiers YouTube channel also claimed that Martinez – who struck up perhaps the most feared strike partnership in Europe with ex-Red Devil Romelu Lukaku back in 2020/21 – was an option being considered by Erik ten Hag and co.
United moved for Rasmus Hojlund instead, and you won’t find too many fans disappointed about that, despite Martinez’s impressive form.
Inter Milan claim big Champions League win
Pavard, meanwhile, could also have ended up at Old Trafford this summer.
And the former Bayern Munich stopper certainly showed United what they were missing with a ‘practically perfect’ defensive display during Inter’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica in midweek.
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