Manchester United’s Man City win proves Rúben Amorim has “one of the best” Premier League defenders, says pundit

Manchester United’s recent win over Manchester City proves that Lisandro Martínez is “one of the best” defenders in the Premier League, explains an ESPN pundit.

Manchester United secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with a late masterclass from Amad Diallo completing a stunning comeback in a fiery Premier League encounter.

City took an early lead through Joško Gvardiol’s towering header, but United turned the game around in the second half thanks to two moments of brilliance from Amad.

Read More: “No space for you…” – Ruben Amorim’s ruthless message to Manchester United squad revealed

The Ivorian winger capitalised on a loose pass from Matheus Nunes, shielding the ball expertly to win a penalty, which captain Bruno Fernandes converted with less than five minutes of normal time remaining.

As the game seemed destined for a 1-1 draw, Lisandro Martínez delivered a pinpoint pass to send Amad through on goal. With composure beyond his years, Amad chipped the ball over Ederson before finishing from a tight angle, sealing all three points for Rúben Amorim’s side in the most dramatic fashion.

Praise for Martínez

While Amad Diallo is rightly taking the glory from the win, ESPN pundit and former French international centre-back Frank Lebouef wanted to praise Martínez for his display against Man City.

Lebouef commented that he feels Martínez is “one of the best” defenders in the Premier League and that his talents were on full display as he, alongside Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, locked up Erling Haaland

“Well, he’s one of the best and today, I have to say, he impressed me a lot,” Lebouef told ESPN. “Very calm technically, he did some very good stuff. I don’t know if he’s the best, let me think. Ruben Dias is pretty easy as well, and of course, Virgil van Dijk.”

“Yeah and you have some others but Lisandro Martinez, if I have question marks defensively because sometimes, he loses his mind but when he has the ball, he knows what to do.”

What Amorim said about United’s defence

Amorim was quick to praise United’s defence following the result, zeroing on Maguire as someone who’s performance deserved particular praise.

“Maguire is perfect when you play with the three defenders,” he told the press. “I think in the middle [he] is perfect.

“Then the way that the striker that they have [Erling Haaland] with the long balls, you need to be really strong and so was perfect for him.

“Not just Harry, all the guys, defend really well. They were really focused and that is the key to play better. I think he did a great job and also his team-mates did a great job.”

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