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Man United told they actually have ‘one of the best’ defenders in the Premier League after they beat Man City
It seems like Ruben Amorim’s era at Manchester United has well and truly begun after his side grabbed a 2-1 victory against Manchester City from the jaws of defeat.
A trip to the Etihad Stadium seemingly did not phase Amorim’s side, with even Darren Fletcher arguing with Kyle Walker in the tunnel after the latter’s exaggerated rea🔯ction to a coming-together with Rasmus Hojlund.
Manchester United showcased their resilience against Pep Guardiola’s side, coming back from a goal down to score two late strikes, thanks to Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diall𓆉o.
Diallo stole the show for Ruben Amorim’s side, winning the initial penaltyไ before breaking sky blue hearts with a well-taken finish ♊at the very death.
However, Unite♒d’s spirited comeback was a collecti♑ve effort.
Frank Lebouef decided to heap praise on another Manchester United player who rose the occasion against Manchester City.
That was Lisandro Martinez, who stepped up to the plate for the visitors.
Lisandro Martinez hailed after Man United beat Man City
The Argentine sta𓆉rted in a back five that also featured Nous𝄹sair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot.
Frank Lebouef was quizzed about whether he feels the former Ajax d𝓰efender is the best ball-playing centre-back in th𒆙e Premier League and his response was that he is certainly up there.
The Frenchman said via ESPN FC: “Well, he’s one of the best and today, I have to say, he impressed me a lot. Very calm technically, he did some very good stuff. I don’t know if🤪 he’s the best, let me think. Ruben Dias is pretty easy as well and of course, Virgil van Dijk.”
“Yeah and y🤡ou have some others but Lisandro Martinez, if I have question marks defensively because sometimes, he loses his mind but when he has the ball, he knows what to do.”
Tꦑhe World Cup winner had the daunting task of making Andre Onana’s job as easy as possible 🐻against a frightening front five that included Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva.
However, not only did Martinez perfไorm his defens💮ive duties to a tee but in the process, he also provided the match-winning assist for Diallo’s last-gasp goal.
What Pep Guardiola said about Lisandro Martinez last season
Since heading to the Premier League iℱn 2022, the 26-year-old has suffered persistent injury problems and spent a majority of his time playing under Erik ten Hag, who was sacked earlier this season.
But it seems like Martinez is ready to show Ruben Amorim that he is the real deal, as the numbers proved after he stood out against Pep Guardiola and Co.
Guardiola rates Lisandro Martinez very highly, naming him as one of the five best defenders in the world after 🎀City lost 2-1 to United in the FA Cup final as well last season.
“Lisandro Martinez is top five centre-backs in the world🐻. He made the difference on this game by playing passes through our defence.”
Martine🅘z certainly showcased that he is deserving o🐻f such praise with a vintage display at the heart of Manchester United’s defence, where he displayed his blend of doggedness and class.