Man Utd ban controversial flag from Stretford End but Martinez pays tribute to it after spotting it during West Ham win

MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly banned a flag honouring defender Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentine defender, 24, is fast-becoming a fan favourite at Old Trafford following his £55million move from Ajax in the summer.

Getty Images – GettyMartinez was sensational yet again for Manchester United on Sunday afternoon[/caption]

INSTAGRAM / LISANDROMARTINEZZZThe Argentine praised the flag dedicated to his nickname “The Butcher”[/caption]

He has been affectionately nicknamed “The Butcher” for his aggressive, combative style of play.

And some Man Utd fans acknowledged that during the 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday by holding up an Argentina flag with the image of a meat cleaver in the centre.

Martinez labelled the Stretford End banner “incredible” on social media after the game.

But, according to talkSPORT, it has now been banned by the club.

This is allegedly because a weapon is plastered across the front of it.

Martinez produced yet another impressive display against West Ham on Sunday.

He won all of his ground duels, three of four aerial duels, made four blocks, three ball recoveries, three clearances and two tackles.

Going forward, he also made 58 successful passes and had a pass completing rate of 92 per cent.

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After a difficult opening couple of games for the club, Martinez is now one of the first names on Erik ten Hag‘s team sheet.

He was partnered by captain Harry Maguire at the weekend after regular centre-back Raphael Varane suffered an injury during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

And Gary Neville claimed during commentary that Maguire will have to become accustomed to playing on the right side of a centre-back partnership because Martinez is not going to be dropped.

The ex-United full-back said: “Harry Maguire has to get used to playing on the right side of Manchester United’s defence because there is no way he’s going to get his spot on the left side.

“Lisandro Martínez has made that position his own.”