Manchester United’s beloved ‘butcher’ led by example in a much-needed 1-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday.
Manchester United needed to respond to the dismal defeat at Newcastle and if fans were hoping for an emphatic thrashing such as the one they handed out to Real Betis days after being hammered by Liverpool, they will feel short-changed by this narrow 1-0 win over Brentford.
But sometimes you just need to hold it together and stop the rot and that was what United did, taking three valuable points thanks to Marcus Rashford’s first-half strike.
Against a hugely impressive Brentford who humiliated them 4-0 in August, Erik ten Hag’s side delivered a really solid performance and Lisandro Martinez led the way in defence. Compared to that ugly game at the beginning of the season, this was much, much better.
Martinez held everything together from the back and ensured Brentford’s 17-goal striker Ivan Toney had little to feed on.
There were also impressive displays from the likes of Marcel Sabitzer and Antony, while David de Gea struggled at times.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Old Trafford…
WINNER: Lisandro Martinez
The best thing about United’s performance was their defence, and the Argentine set the tone, as he has done all season.
His passing was perfect and he often filled in as a holding midfielder too to help out Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer, who did their best to keep the ship afloat with Casemiro rounding out his suspension.
Martinez also put his body on the line when Brentford were pushing for a late equaliser.
The man they call The Butcher may be fearless but he is also highly intelligent and has been one of the team’s most influential leaders.
And after the demoralising defeat in the north east, his guidance here was invaluable.
Source: goal.com
