“Although I scored the most beautiful goal in football history but that guy made it easier for me and he deserved all the praise and not me”: Man United’s hero Kobbie Mainoo names ONE United’s teammates who really deserved all the praise
Manchester United beat FCSB on Thursday night to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase of the Europa League.
It always promised to be a difficult match, with Manchester United’s record on the road in Europe far from brilliant.
However, under Ruben Amorim, United hold a 100 per cent record of winning in the Europa League, and this was extended on Thursday night.
United beat FCSB 2-0 to guarantee a round of 16 place, and handing Amorim his much sought-after bye from the play-offs.
It took United until the second-half to score a breakthrough, with Kobbie Mainoo being the headline maker, scoring and assisting.
Diogo Dalot scored the opener, and Alejandro Garnacho assisted Mainoo’s goal that killed the game off – but it was actually another player who was our star of the show.
Lisandro Martinez dominant against FCSB
While Mainoo was obviously the game’s most impactful player with his pair of goal contributions, his teammate was arguably even better despite not scoring.
Lisandro Martinez has been growing in importance over the past few weeks – returning to the player fans fell in love with two years ago.
Against FCSB, it was more of the same from Martinez as his ball-playing ability saw him once again a creative outlet from centre-back.
71 minutes
84/90 completed passes (93%)
3 chances created
102 touches
1/1 dribbles
11 passes into the final third
4/7 long balls
3 clearances
1 interception
4 defensive actions
2 recoveries
1/1 duels won
Martinez’s passing was elite, as he completed the most passes of any player in the game with 84 – this despite being withdrawn in the 71st minute for Leny Yoro.
‘The Butcher’ also created four chances for his teammates with excellent balls from almost a midfield position behind the opposition line where the chances were squandered.
Manchester United needed this version of ‘The Butcher’
After a first season at Old Trafford which granted him instant hero status with supporters, Martinez never reached the same heights – struggling through last season with injury.
Well ever since Erik ten Hag’s exit, Martinez has once again started to play like the man fans adored – and it is a welcome boost for Amorim.
Martinez possesses qualities Amorim needs in a defender, with his passing winning United two games already this season.
Against FCSB, Martinez should have had an assist, maybe even two which shows the quality of balls he was playing. The more he does this, the better his understanding of the forwards will be.
A real dangerman, exactly what United needed from him.
