Lisandro Martinez names biggest difference between Man United’s first and second half vs Real Betis

Manchester United played a game of two halves on Thursday evening as they beat Real Bettis 4-1 in the Europa League.

Lisandro Martinez put on a fantastic display as Erik ten Hag‘s side scored four past the Spanish opposition and solidified Manchester United‘s chances to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

With the fixture initially going into half-time at one goal apiece, it was the second half that blew away Real Betis with goals from Antony, Bruno Fernandes, and Wout Weghorst sealing the victory.

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Speaking after the fixture, Lisandro Martinez put the difference in performance between the two halves down to the extra energy the players showed in the second half.

“It was a great result for us, but we have to keep going,” Martinez said. “It doesn’t say anything this result. It’s the first leg and when we go to Betis, we have to be ready and focused, especially in their home, they play well and have the support of their people.

“We are happy for this game. I think the energy of the team [lacked], they started to play, and in the second half we changed the passion, the energy and we showed our mentality and we created more chances, then we score.”

Martinez also had praise for two particular players in the Manchester United line-up, who, after dire performances against Liverpool, rose to the occasion to score in the second half.

Speaking on his former Ajax teammate and current Red Devil Antony, Martinez explained how the result will benefit the winger.

“He’s a really good player [Antony], with a lot of quality, his skills are amazing and I’m happy for him because it’s important for his confidence. I’m really happy with the job of the team.”

Martinez also heaped praise on current on-field captain Bruno Fernandes, who scored and assisted in the fixture.

“I’m happy for him [Fernandes] as well, as like you say, there was a lot of criticism to our team but it’s like this when you play for a big, big team, it can happen, so you have to be ready and be happy with where we are.”

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Manchester United return to Premier League action as they take on Southampton at Old Trafford in an afternoon Sunday kick-off.