Lisandro Martinez produced a brilliant defensive performance as Manchester United secured a 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
The Red Devils had the perfect start to the game with Bruno Fernandes converting a seventh-minute penalty. The club went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 in United’s favour shortly after the hour mark. It seemed like a routine win before Casemiro’s sending-off in the 70th minute.
Jeffrey Schlupp pulled one goal back for Palace in the 76th minute, but United managed to hold on for a hard-fought victory with superb defensive resolve.
David de Gea had another fine game in goal. He made a brilliant save to deny Marc Guehi’s powerful header but our view, Martinez was United’s stand-out performer.
The Argentine had 77 touches and completed 92 per cent of his passes, but his main contribution was defensively during the closing stages of the win.
Martinez blocked one shot, won two tackles and made five clearances. The World Cup winner also won five duels in what was a man of the match display.
There were doubts over Martinez’s aerial ability when he first moved to the Premier League. However, he has answered his critics in brilliant fashion this term.
Against Palace, he won three aerial challenges in the box. The 25-year-old is now a clear fan favourite and will be hoping to continue his splendid run of form.
United’s win over the Eagles has seen them jump to third in the league table, two points ahead of Newcastle United, who drew 0-0 against West Ham United.
More importantly, the club are six points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth. They will be hoping that Manchester City can do them a favour by beating Spurs.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com
