Manchester United have had a rather topsy-turvy start to the Erik ten Hag. Things haven’t exactly gone according to plans.
Under the new manager, the Red Devils have suffered humiliating losses to arch-rivals Manchester City as well as the likes of Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.
They’ve also finished as runners-up in the Europa League group stages, setting up a highly-anticipated clash with FC Barcelona in the playoffs round. United have only scored 18 games in 13 Premier League games and sits in 5th place in the table.
Despite their issues in the gaol-scoring front, one aspect of their game that has seen a drastic improvement from last season is their defensive work.
That is because of their inspired summer signings, with the best being the acquisition of the Argentine warrior Lisandro Martinez.
The centre-back might be short compared to his Premier League peers but has silenced whoever mocked his height with some immense performances.
He’s bullied the likes of Mo Salah, Gabriel Jesus and Harry Kane in the Premier League since arriving at Old Trafford.
Martinez is a no-nonsense customer who has added a shot of aggression to the Red Devils’ back with his crunching challenges.
His impressive passing ability has seen United more comfortable in moving the ball out from the back and improve with their progressive attacking moves.
Licha (as called by teammates) has already become a hero among the fans within months of arriving at the club.
The supporters love how he pours his everything into games and batters opposition players with his challenges after years of United having shy, nervy centre-backs that often invited trouble.
Martinez has had ‘Argentina’ chants ring all around Old Trafford as an appreciation for his tournaments.
Some United fans even redesigned the Argentina national flag by adding a cleaver in the middle as a homage to the ‘Butcher of Manchester’.
Lisandro has now had his own chant that has been created by the faithful as well.
This chant debuted just before United’s Carabao Cup 3rd round tie against Aston Villa, which they won. The addictive chant goes something like this:
“Tip toe Through the Kippax
With a pickaxe
And a sawn-off shotgun
Tip toe
Through the Kop end
With a cleaver
He’s from Argentina“
This chant is actually heavily inspired by the famous American musician Tiny Tim’s song ‘Tiptoe through the Tulips’. The Kippax refers to a famous stand in Maine Road, that is Manchester City’s old stadium. The stand was among the loudest in the ground.
The Kop end is, of course, the famous ‘Spion Kop’ stand that is situated at Anfield and filled with the most vocal match-goers in Liverpool’s home games.
English football fans have gained a reputation for coming up with really catchy chants which are heavily inspired by famous songs.
Martinez deserves this song after the way he has helped breathe new life into United’s backline after they conceded 57 goals in 38 Premier League games last season.
They looked in complete disarray as a defensive unit before Licha formed a strong partnership with Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof to bring stability to the team once again.
Knowing how consistent he has been, the Argentine centre-back‘s popularity is only like to increase at Old Trafford. He’s yet to hit his peak and should enjoy his best years at United.
In such a case, he can expect to hear this addictive chant ring around the Old Trafford air for many years to come.
