Manchester United pulled off an upset during Monday night’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
After losing both of their opening games against Brighton (2-1) and Brentford (4-0), the Red Devils came into Monday’s blockbuster encounter in dire form.
However, after drawing their first two matches against Fulham (2-2) and Crystal Palace (1-1), Liverpool, also winless, were in a similar position.
Read more: Man United player ratings vs Liverpool: Martinez superb as Rashford and Sancho shine
Knowing the magnitude of Monday’s game, new manager Erik ten Hag knew he had to get his team selection right and after opting to drop captain Harry Maguire in favour of new signing Lisandro Martinez, the Dutchman’s gamble certainly paid off.
Martinez, a rock in defence alongside Raphael Varane, was superb from start to finish, and speaking after the game, the former Ajax defender’s manager could not have been more thankful.
“I know he can do both [attack and defend], for a defender his technical skill are quite good,” ten Hag told Sky Sports.
“His fighting spirit is there and also his positioning and his battling over the ground but also aerial. He’s not the tallest but he has good timing.”
🗣️ “He’s not the tallest but he has good timing”
Erik ten Hag speaks about the dominance of Lisandro Martínez in tonight’s win over Liverpool 🔴 pic.twitter.com/XidkQ95InP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 22, 2022
Maguier should remain on the bench!