What Lisandro Martinez said about pundits after the Manchester derby win
Manchester United delivered a scintillating display in the 2-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City on Saturday.
Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu scored the two goals to ensure a statement win for United at Old Trafford.
Keeping a clean sheet against a Pep Guardiola side renowned for suffocating possession and precision is never straightforward, yet United made it look controlled.
Caretaker head coach Michael Carrick entrusted Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez with anchoring the defence.
The pair made their first start together in a back four after more than a year.
Both defenders have faced relentless and unfair criticism from pundits in recent weeks, with Martinez in particular coming under fire.
Former United players Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt made some demeaning comments about the Argentine international, and he answered them back with authority.
Martinez said after the game (via Stadium Astro): “You know people can always do whatever they want, it’s something that I can’t control.
“What I can only do is to show on the pitch and I think today I show it and I don’t imagine we have to think what the people said.
“It’s just we have to be focused for the best of this club, we want to change the situation and we are the only ones who can change it.”
Martinez further said (via The Athletic): “Honestly, he can say whatever he wants.
“I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to wherever he wants, to my house, wherever. I don’t care.
“And I think for me, I respect the relations when they want to help the club because everyone can talk on the television but when you sit here face to face, no-one says anything in your face.”
Martinez has been a sensational acquisition
The 28-year-old moved to Old Trafford from Ajax for a fee of £48.5 million in 2022.
Injuries have forced him to spend significant time on the sidelines but Martinez has been an exceptional player when available.
His vocal presence and willingness to step into duels give United an edge they often lack without him.
Martinez won all of his duels against Man City yesterday.
Despite Erling Haaland having the height advantage, Martinez never allowed the striker a moment of dominance.
Even when United have struggled, he has been a shining light in defence.
That makes the recent criticism from former players all the more baffling.
Martinez has taken a shot at Scholes, and United supporters will love it.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .