“Not Tall Enough” – What Fans Are Saying About Martinez’s Performance vs Liverpool

Liverpool's James Milner in action with Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Lisandro Martinez answered his critics by delivering a Man of the Match performance in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.

The Argentine centre-back came under the spotlight after United’s 4-0 defeat at Brentford. He was partly blamed for the Bees’ third goal, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher ruling that he’s too short to succeed in the Premier League.

In the very next game, against Carragher’s former club Liverpool, Martinez brought on his A game, and showed why Erik ten Hag trusted him so much in Amsterdam and spent big to bring him to Manchester.

In the absence of Harry Maguire, Martinez took charge of progressing the ball from the back. Out of possession, his intense approach during duels set the tone early in the game and showed Liverpool attackers it’s not going to be easy like their last Old Trafford visit.

https://twitter.com/LisandrMartinez/status/1561858477726863364

https://twitter.com/joethomlinson/status/1561818976849743872

https://twitter.com/TheEuropeanLad/status/1561819235986415617

https://twitter.com/StatmanDave/status/1561823521755521024

 

Ten Hag, who hooked the 24-year-old at half-time against Brentford, deserves credit for starting him in such a high-pressure game.

Martinez’s partner in defence Raphael Varane was also rock solid against Liverpool. His experience and leadership at the back really helped Martinez as well as Tyrell Malacia.

If the Frenchman can remain fit, Maguire might struggle to get back into United’s starting XI.