He is going to be a great player because whenever He is playing even my players used to afraid of Him,He is Ten Hag secret weapon’: Pep Guardiola hails One Man United despite their narrow loss yesterday
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez despite him not even playing in Sunday’s clash.
Well, we are sadly talking about another derby day defeat.
United headed to the Etihad Stadium with few predicting a victory, only for Marcus Rashford to smash home a stunning early opener.
That raised hopes of a United victory but we saw a second-half improvement from City.
Phil Foden’s brace fired City ahead before Erling Haaland slotted home number three to seal City’s 3-1 win.
The inquest into United’s defeat has begun, but Pep Guardiola has offered praise to one United star.
Pep Guardiola on Lisandro Martinez
City boss Guardiola spoke to Sky Sports after beating United and showed some understanding of the situation facing Erik ten Hag.
Guardiola noted that United were missing both Rasmus Hojlund and Lisandro Martinez.
Losing an in-form striker and a top centre back is always difficult and Guardiola feels that the situation is ‘difficult’ for United.
Guardiola called Martinez a ‘top-class’ player, seemingly admiring him from afar having seen his impact in a United shirt.
“A striker in the best moment and scoring goals, today he’s injured. A central defender, an Argentina guy, Lisandro is a top-class player and the same, he’s injured, so when this happens, it’s not easy,” said Guardiola.
When is Martinez back?
United certainly need Martinez back from injury soon as he offers ideal balance on the left side of Ten Hag’s back four.
The former Ajax man suffered medial collateral ligament damage against West Ham United earlier this month.
United confirmed at the time that Martinez would be out for around eight weeks, meaning we are only around halfway through his absence.
Martinez was at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, showing support for his teammates as he attempts to make a return.
Seeing Martinez return earlier than expected would be a real boost, but United have to be careful not to rush him back after repeated injury problems.
