Featured Image Credit: @FutbolZee/Twitter
Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Premier League, Manchester United, Liverpool
Daniel Marland
Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Premier League, Manchester United, Liverpool
Lisandro Martinez produced the best performance of his Manchester United career so far in their 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old joined United from Ajax earlier this summer and struggled in his first two games, even being substituted at halftime against Brentford.
Many doubted if he had the physicality required for the Premier League given he stands at just five foot nine.
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Everyone was forced to eat their words on Monday evening, however. Martinez was an absolute monster at the back and set the tone early on by snapping into Mohamed Salah.
Nicknamed 'The Butcher', Martinez got stuck into tackles any chance he could get but remained disciplined against one of the best right-hand sides in world football.
He got up close and personal with James Milner too, but remained unfazed when the veteran midfielder tried to get in his face.
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It wasn't all about the physical battles though. Martinez is armed with a wicked left foot and regularly got United forward with passes out to the wing.
He also managed to block Bruno Fernandes' near-own goal off the line by being in the right place at the right time.
The Argentina international started alongside Raphael Varane rather than captain Harry Maguire, who was dropped to the bench.
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It seems to have made a big difference and it allowed Martinez to show why United spent £56.7 million on him.
Manager Erik ten Hag made four changes to the side that were humbled at the Gtech Stadium nine days prior, also bringing in Tyrell Malacia, Scott McTominay and Anthony Elanga for Luke Shaw, Fred and Cristiano Ronaldo.
United took the lead inside 16 minutes through Jadon Sancho, who showed composure to turn Milner in the box and find the bottom left corner.
Jurgen Klopp's side grew into the contest but didn't manage to test David de Gea in the opening 45 minutes.
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The home side doubled their advantage eight minutes after the restart, as halftime introduction Anthony Martial played Marcus Rashford through.
Rashford managed to just beat the offside trap and fire past Alisson at the near post.
Salah did score ten minutes from time, heading home a rebound from teenager Fabio Carvalho's shot, but it was too little too late.
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United are now above Liverpool after claiming their first three points of the season.
The Reds are still winless however and have already lost major ground to Manchester City in the title race.