Guardiola hails Manchester United star as one of the ‘top five in the world’

Not only Manchester United’s best defender, but also the best passer of the ball. The most important cog in Ten Hag’s tactical machine. There were understandable concerns that Lisandro Martinez was rushed back from injury – and not for the first time – while the Argentine’s lack of clarity may have had Erling Haaland licking his lips before the game .

But as Martinez bullied Haaland into submission – United’s mini-master, the victorious David against Man City’s Goliath – Man City’s biggest threat just couldn’t break free from the World Cup winner’s clutches .

For Guardiola, dejected and disappointed but graceful in defeat, it was a performance that proved ‘Licha’ Martinez is among world football’s elite. Not just because of his defensive skills, but also for his famously scintillating passing which made City’s press quite ineffective.

Lisandro Martinez shines in Manchester United’s win

“Lisandro Martinez is one of the top five centre-backs in the world,” sighs Guardiola, his quotes reported by Fabrizio Romano on X.

“He made the difference in this game playing passes through our defense.”

This was just Martinez’s 11th start in all competitions. If only Ten Hag could call on his former Ajax stalwart more regularly, United’s defense a shadow of its 2022/23 Golden Glove-winning self without a man who, alongside Bruno Fernandes, must be a of the most impressive signings in the world. the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

“Disappointed today. It’s normal from teams that lose finals,” added Guardiola, with Jeremy Doku finally finding a way past Andre Onana in the 87th minute with a shot from distance.

“Credit to United for the second goal (scored by Kobbie Mainoo). The quality they have…

“The second half is not easy because they defend, they score, they (fill) the pockets (of space) and the transitions were there. Unfortunately, we scored a little late.”

Erik ten Hag laments injury problems

For one of the first times all year, Guardiola’s opposite side had an almost full squad to choose from, even if Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Casemiro all missed out.

“We had no players,” says Ten Hag on Man United’s website, with a relentless string of injuries making momentum almost impossible to sustain.

“You’re right I saw the same thing. It wasn’t always good football. But we had to make a lot of compromises and then you can’t play the football you want to play. I’ve been here for two years and maybe three or four times when I’ve had the full team available.

“Today, again, we didn’t have players like Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Casemiro on board.”

In their absence, however, the likes of Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sofyan Amrabat have stepped up massively, with Martinez providing a timely reminder of his truly world-class qualities on English football’s biggest stage.

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