The post-match reaction to Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham has produced one of the most significant “real recognize real” moments of the season. Despite a frustrating afternoon for Dominic Solanke, who struggled to find any space against a dominant United backline, the Spurs striker emerged from the tunnel with nothing but awe for the man who “locked him down” for 90 minutes: Lisandro Martinez.
While Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes took the scoring honors, Solanke’s high-praise confirms that “The Butcher” has officially reached a level of form that rivals the world’s elite.
“Better Than Saliba and Dias”
“From TODAY, the disrespect against him ends! I’ve faced Arsenal, Manchester City, AND Liverpool’s defense… and right now, with his insane current form and aggressiveness on the pitch, there’s NO ONE like him. People talk about his height, but he’s the best defender in the Premier League and one of the best in the world. End of discussion. He didn’t give me an inch today.”
THE “MARTINEZ MASTERCLASS”:
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Why the Stats Support Solanke
While Cristian Romero’s “Argentina Way” rant dominated the news, Martinez’s “silent masterclass” was the foundation of Michael Carrick’s fourth straight win:
• The Lockdown: Solanke, who recently scored a sensational “scorpion kick” against Man City, was restricted to just one shot on target and a meager 18 touches in the United box.
• The “Aggressiveness”: Martinez won 100% of his aerial duels today, out-jumping the significantly taller Solanke in three crucial 50/50 headers.
• The Stability: Alongside Harry Maguire, Martinez has now kept two clean sheets in three games, providing the “insane” stability that Rio Ferdinand says has allowed Kobbie Mainoo to flourish.
CARRICK’S ROCK:
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Is He the Key to the Title?
The “Martinez Effect” has been the cornerstone of the Carrick revival. Since the interim boss took over from Ruben Amorim, United’s defensive line has moved 10 yards higher, relying on Martinez’s “elite reading” of the game to snuff out counter-attacks before they start.
With United now breathing down the necks of the Top 3, the debate over the league’s best defender is shifting. For Solanke, the debate is already over.
Is Lisandro Martinez officially better than William Saliba and Ruben Dias right now? And with Martinez in this form, can United actually keep a clean sheet against Newcastle next week?
