Manchester United's star centre-back Lisandro Martinez has replied to criticism from club icons Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt after he helped the Red Devils secure a 2-0 win over Manchester City. The Argentine defender played a full 90 minutes in their Premier League game at Old Trafford on Saturday, January 17.
Lisandro Martinez's recent dip in form
Martinez has played 11 games across all competitions this season since coming back from an ACL injury. However, he has struggled for form amid Manchester United's string of poor results.
Ahead of the Manchester derby, Scholes and Butt both predicted Martinez to struggle to restrict the in-form Erling Haaland, with the former saying:
"There’s every chance he [Haaland] will target him [Martinez], of course he will."
Butt added:
"Haaland would pick Martinez up and run with him. It would be like when you see a dad at school running down the road like that with a little toddler, that’s what it would be like."
However, Manchester United defended well against City as a core. Bryan Mbeumo (65') and Patrick Dorgu (76') were both on target to grab three points for the hosts.
When questioned about the recent criticism after the match, Lisandro Martinez replied:
"You know people can always talk whatever they want, it’s something I can’t control. What I can only do is show it on the pitch. I think today I showed it. Imagine if we thought what the people said, it shows we have to be focused for the best of this club, we want to change this situation and we’re the only ones who can change it."
Lisandro Martinez's clinical defending vs Manchester City
Martinez won both his attempted duels against Manchester City, made eight clearances, and made two recoveries.
Gary Neville warns Manchester United fans not to demand much after 2-0 win against Manchester City
Manchester United icon Gary Neville has warned fans not get overwhelmed after they claimed an amazing 2-0 win against Manchester City in Michael Carrick's first match as interim manager. While Neville appreciated the Red Devils, namely Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes, for their impactful performances, he admitted that they have had similar false starts in recent years under the guidance of other managers.
During the game, Neville told Sky Sports:
"Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo have both been outstanding and they haven’t quite connected perfectly, but now they do. It is absolutely electric in this ground. This is not a time to get giddy. There has been many false starts. That is three days of pretty good work that we have seen in 65 minutes from Michael Carrick, I have to say."
He added:
"I expected a battle. Yes, of course. But I don’t think Man City were expecting United to be as organised and devastating in the combinations in the attack."
Manchester United are currently fifth in the Premier League standings with 35 points from 22 games. They will lock horns with Arsenal on Sunday, January 25.