Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has been named in the BBC team of the week after his performance against Southampton.
It is the second week in a row Martinez has been selected, following on from two man of the match displays.
Bruno Fernandes was also picked in the XI, scorer of United’s winning goal in the victory at St Mary’s.
United have got back on track with two wins in a row in the past week, beating Liverpool and Southampton.
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Lisandro Martinez named in BBC team of the week
BBC pundit Garth Crooks commended Martinez and said he was fully deserving of praise, having been criticised after United’s first two games.
He said: “Martinez makes my selection for the second time in a week after a performance against Southampton that was totally authoritative.
“The Argentine centre-back seemed to take total responsibility against the Saints, allowing the rest of the back four to get on with their jobs.”
He added: “Raphael Varane was good but Martinez was better. I have no idea where that leaves Harry Maguire.”
The answer to the Harry Maguire conundrum will start to come this week. United have two games on Thursday and Sunday, and its probable he will start one of them, with the team rotating.
Martinez has shown he deserves to be first choice, and is doing exactly what United supporters hoped for, becoming a fan favourite already.
There was some ridiculous criticism of his performance against the Southampton still, with Gabby Agbonlahor telling Talksport he felt Martinez struggled in the air. The Argentine won five out five aerial duels.
Crooks’ praise shows some pundits do know what they are talking about after all, and aren’t afraid to give credit where it’s due.
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