Argentina rounded off the international break with a friendly against Jamaica and Lisandro Martinez was on the bench.
Lisandro watched on from the sidelines as Julian Alvarez put the hosts 1-0 up at the break, and then with 12 minutes remaining, he came on for former United winger Angel di Maria.
Two late Lionel Messi goals put some gloss on the result and of course Martinez could come up against Alvarez in Sunday’s Manchester derby.
The fact that the defender largely got the night off is a fitness boost for United going into that huge clash after an extended break from Premier League football.
Argentina give Martinez a partial rest during friendly win
These long international trips for South American players are not ideal for Premier League clubs and United are no different.
So it is good that Lisandro did not have a strenuous night, getting a quick runout to keep his legs ticking over but nothing more.
He did play his small part in another clean sheet, which will help keep his confidence rolling ahead of a huge test this weekend.
United have grabbed impressive results against Liverpool and Arsenal at home but winning away at City would top them both.
The big conversation ahead of the game will be how United keep Erling Haaland quiet.
Martinez has already showcased his talent against Haaland, keeping a clean sheet against him this last season in a 4-0 victory for Ajax over Borussia Dortmund.
In that game, Haaland managed just a 6.15 WhoScored rating, with Martinez (7.9) winning four tackles, four interceptions, and making five clearances.
That should give Lisandro even more confidence going into what will be a tough test, but he should be more refreshed after not starting last night’s friendly.
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