Lisandro Martinez fired Manchester United into the lead against Liverpool with a thumping effort at Anfield.
It was the first goal of the season for the 26-year-old Argentine, and what a way to score it.
Lisandro Martinez has struggled for form this season and his worst performance so far came against Newcastle when he was handed the captain’s armband.
Manchester United fans spotted Martinez’s regression this season with some supporters claiming he had become a “weak link” in Ruben Amorim’s side.
However, Lisandro Martinez kept his starting spot for Sunday’s trip to Anfield and he put on a wonderful display with a huge impact in both boxes.
Martinez was absolutely superb against Liverpool having opened the scoring with a powerful shot from a difficult angle. Defensively, he was also very impressive and helped keep an in-form Mohamed Salah quiet.
Lisandro Martinez sends passionate message to Man United fans
Martinez has become a fan favourite at United since joining from Ajax under Erik ten Hag. The attitude of many players has been questioned but the fiery Argentine always brings aggression and intensity to his performances – even if they have recently lacked his usual quality.
After scoring against Liverpool and putting in a much-improved performance, Martinez took to social media to send a message to supporters and he promised that United will continue to improve as the season progresses.
Via Instagram, Martinez wrote: “We have much to improve, and we will, but this fighting spirit and playing with pride for this badge must be our fuel. Thank you to the travelling fans for their support.”
What Lisandro Martinez said after draw to Liverpool
After his first game in charge of United, Amorim said players were “thinking too much” about what to do in the new 3-4-3 system.
However, now Amorim has finally had time to train his squad at Carrington, Martinez feels that problem has now been addressed. After the full-time whistle at Anfield, he said United “played with freedom”.
Speaking after the match, Martinez said: “I’m happy with the performance of the team. I think we fight, we play well, we play freedom. A few matches ago I think we were playing, thinking too much, playing with a little bit stress or that kind of things.
“Football is about that. Belief, confidence, and now we will be more secure of ourselves as well.
“Because, like I said, we were thinking too much, too much, too much. “And sometimes you don’t have to think, you have to believe in your feelings in the game. And then you have to decide the right choice.”
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