Erik ten Hag kept the faith with Lisandro Martinez for Manchester United’s big clash with Liverpool and was rewarded with a terrific display.
A key cog in a much improved team performance, Martinez showed what he was all about after an unfairly criticised start.
Martinez was singled out by the media for United’s loss at Brentford, with pundits taking the easy option of pointing to his height as a weakness.
The Argentine defender showed his class with a spirited performance, showing why Manchester United spent so much money to sign him.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
Lisandro Martinez was ‘excellent’
Martinez closed Liverpool down well, made decisive clearances, and celebrated stopping attacks by high-fiving his teammates.
He even prevented an equaliser in the first half, when he stopped Bruno Fernandes accidentally scoring an own goal, blocking it on the line.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher admitted in commentary that he had been impressed by Martinez, having critiqued him a week ago.
Carragher said: “I questioned him last week aerially. Anything on the floor tonight he’s dealt with.
“He’s been excellent.”
Martinez’s spirit and alertness are going to endear him to his teammates and Manchester United fans.
After hearing some bruising criticism, it’s only right he gets credit for a much improved performance, coming alongside a returning Raphael Varane.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
