Lisandro Martinez hails a ‘different energy’ at Manchester United after their 2-0 derby win over Manchester City in Michael Carrick’s first game as interim boss
LISANDRO Martinez hailed a “different energy” at Manchester United following their 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City on Saturday.
The win marked Michael Carrick’s first game as interim manager after replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim earlier in the week.
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured a morale-boosting victory at Old Trafford against the title-chasing visitors.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession but United were more threatening, registering seven shots on target to City’s one.
The result lifted United to fourth in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday’s later fixtures.
“Unbelievable, unbelievable,” Argentine defender Martinez told Sky Sports. “Being here with the fans, with the team we really know how we suffer during the season.”
He credited the impact of new boss Carrick, who previously had an unbeaten three-game stint as caretaker in 2021.
“One important thing that Michael Carrick said was ‘Use the energy of the people’ and today I think we did it,” Martinez said.
The defender added that the team’s defensive compactness bred confidence across the pitch.
“Today you feel a different energy when you see the eyes of the players,” he stated.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva conceded his side were second best on the day.
“They had more energy and intention,” Silva said. “It always felt like they were close to score and we were never there.”
The defeat leaves City six points behind league leaders Arsenal, who faced Nottingham Forest later on Saturday.
“It is a big gap, we won’t lie and say it isn’t a big gap, it is,” Silva admitted. “We will fight until the end.”
