Manchester United claimed a 2-0 win over Manchester City with Lisandro Martinez impressed by the impact made by Michael Carrick
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United
Lisandro Martinez starred for Manchester United in their win over Manchester City(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Lisandro Martinez has admitted to being impressed by Michael Carrick’s immediate impact at Manchester United and the way he set up his coaching team. The Reds claimed a 2-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday in the Premier League in Carrick’s first match in charge.
United appointed Carrick as the club’s interim head coach until the end of the season, following Ruben Amorim’s exit earlier this month and Darren Fletcher’s brief spell in the dugout.
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured the three points for United as Carrick's men played their rivals off the pitch at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby.
The game was Mbeumo’s first match for United on his return to club duty after starring for his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, with Amad Diallo also making his return to the squad.
The win over City moved United up to fifth place in the Premier League table, and they are now just one point behind fourth-placed Liverpool after their draw with Burnley.
Martinez played the full 90 minutes for United and helped the Reds keep a clean sheet against City, who had Erling Haaland and January signing Antoine Semenyo in their starting line-up.
After the victory over City, Martinez praised the impact that Carrick has made despite only being appointed on Wednesday, three days before United’s clash in the Manchester derby.
“Three days, unbelievable,” Martinez told Stadium Astro.
“First of all, play with the ball, don’t be scared of the ball, having composure with the ball, play with confidence.
“We had to defend with our lives and when we play we had to play with confidence and I think we did it.
“Three goals, with a minimal offside, I think we deserved this win. But what [Michael] Carrick did with his staff was unbelievable, especially in a short time, that’s why I’m impressed about that.”
United’s next match will now see them take on Premier League leaders Arsenal next weekend, with the Gunners being forced to settle for a point in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
There have already been plenty of candidates mentioned as potential long-term options to be appointed by United as their new manager, including Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and former England manager Gareth Southgate.
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