I have faced William Saliba many times but that particular Man United’s player is the most difficult opponent I’ve ever faced in my whole career”: Newcastle United’s striker Alexander Isak names ONE Man United’s player as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced. ISAK IS SCARED AHEAD OF OUR CLASH TOMORROW.

Alexander Isak Names the One Manchester United Player Who Gave Him the Toughest Challenge of His Career

In the world of top-flight football, elite attackers and defenders constantly battle for supremacy on the pitch. And for Newcastle United’s standout striker Alexander Isak, who has taken on some of the best defenders across Europe, one name stands out as his most difficult opponent ever—and it’s not who many expected.

Despite having multiple run-ins with Arsenal’s composed and highly-rated William Saliba, Isak recently admitted that the toughest defender he’s faced wears Manchester United red: Lisandro Martínez.

Speaking in a candid interview, Isak praised Saliba for his calm and collected defending, but emphasized that Martínez brought a different level of intensity and relentlessness to the game. “I’ve gone up against Saliba many times, and he’s class. But the Manchester United defender—he’s on another level entirely. Martínez is the hardest opponent I’ve ever faced,” Isak said.

Nicknamed “The Butcher of Amsterdam” during his time at Ajax, Lisandro Martínez has earned a reputation for being a tenacious, intelligent, and aggressive defender. And according to Isak, those qualities were on full display during their encounter.

“He’s everywhere,” Isak continued. “You think you’ve beaten him, and before you know it, he’s in front of you again. His timing, aggression, and ability to read the game are exceptional. I’ve faced fast defenders, strong ones, and technically skilled ones—but Martínez combines all of that with an unbreakable mentality. It’s exhausting.”

For a forward like Isak—known for his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing—such high praise for a centre-back speaks volumes. He explained that Martínez doesn’t rely on height or flashiness. Instead, his low center of gravity and sharp instincts make him a nightmare in one-on-one situations.

“He’s constantly a step ahead. You barely have time to think, let alone breathe. I’ve never felt so mentally and physically tested by a defender before,” Isak added.

Although he made sure to acknowledge Saliba’s talent, calling him “one of the top defenders” he’s played against, Isak made it clear that Lisandro Martínez stands alone as the most challenging.

This revelation has added extra fuel to the brewing rivalry between Manchester United and Newcastle, with fans eagerly awaiting the next duel between Isak and Martínez. And while questions about Martínez’s height persist in some corners of football punditry, recognition from a top-tier striker like Isak reinforces his place among the elite.

For Manchester United supporters, Isak’s comments are a reminder of why Martínez remains such a vital part of their defensive unit—and why his return to full fitness could be a game-changer this season