Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez played a starring role in the team’s win over City.
There was some quite pathetic pre-match criticism of Lisandro Martinez ahead of the Manchester Derby, courtesy of former players Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.
Martinez answered it astutely with a dominant defensive performance against Erling Haaland. That is now six times out of seven the Norwegian has failed to score against the Manchester United defender.
The Argentine has fired back at his critics, but really all he needs to do is to let his football do the talking.
Martinez’ performance was hailed by fans, while he talked up the impact the raucous Old Trafford crowd had on the game.
Lisandro Martinez silenced the critics to dominate Erling Haaland AGAIN
What did you think of his performance?
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Lisandro Martinez acrobatically controls the ball
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Martinez denied remarkable assist
Lisandro Martinez’s defending was excellent, denying time and space to Erling Haaland inside the United box. The only real time that Haaland had a shot at goal, Martinez was able to block it.
But there is another side to Martinez’s game that deserves credit too, his impressive passing ability.
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There was one moment in particular that stood out, when Martinez played a defence-splitting ball to put Bruno Fernandes in on goal.
Fernandes went on to round the goalkeeper and score, before the goal was ruled out due to offside. It was one of three VAR overturns against United.
Due to the fact the goal was not given, and United won 2-0 anyway, Martinez’s scything pass to Bruno Fernandes has been glossed over.
It really shouldn’t be. It was a moment that demonstrated what a rare skillset the defender has for a centre-back.
Martinez has done it before too, setting up Amad for a winner at The Etihad with a defence-splitting pass for his winner in December 2024.
Who are you backing in Paul Scholes and Lisandro Martinez’s war of words?
Paul Scholes and Lisandro Martinez have reignited their feud after the Manchester derby…
Lisandro Martinez comments made towards Paul Scholes after the Manchester derby.
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Martinez praised on MUTV
Lisandro Martinez had two big moments in the second half, one where he wrestled Erling Haaland off the ball to set up a Manchester United attack.
The other was his block to deny Haaland’s shot, and this was praised on MUTV.
Phil Bardsley says this is what he wants to see Martinez focusing on, his core defensive duties – despite his attacking capability.
Bardsley said: “That’s what I want to see him doing, defend aggressive, week in, week out, win his headers, win his battles.
“I know he likes to play, he’s comfortable, he’s really good on the ball, but from a defensive point of view, I want to see him do that – defend like that.”
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