Lisandro Martinez Praises Team After Man Utd's 1-0 Win Over Fulham
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez expressed his delight after the Red Devils secured a 1-0 win over Fulham in their opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Erik ten Hag's side had to work hard for the victory, with Fulham arguably deserving something from the match at Old Trafford. However, substitute Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score the decisive goal late on after replacing Mason Mount.
Martinez, who missed much of last season, shared his thoughts with Sky Sports after the match: "For sure, it is really important, and the most important thing is the three points—but we still have to improve a lot."
He added: "It is difficult to play for this big club, but we live for that, and we have to play in a positive way. We have to embrace this pressure, and like today, we had a good connection with the substitutes and the fans as well. I am proud to play for this club."
Reflecting on his role in the team, Martinez said: "I haven't played many games as a left full-back, but as a player, you have to give everything to the team. If the team needs me there, I will give everything."
Commenting on his battle with Adama Traoré, he joked: "I sent him to the gym! He is difficult to play against, and I learned from the first situation—he killed me, but then I killed him back."
Regarding criticism, Martinez acknowledged: "As players, we are ready for everything; it's part of our job. If you play badly, you have to be ready to be criticized. In the first two games [last season], I didn't play well, and I take that responsibility."
He concluded with a statement of self-belief: "I always believe in myself, and I know that I am not really tall, but I will win."
Martinez also noted the differences between the Premier League and the Dutch league: "It is a different league and system than at Ajax. In every game [at Ajax], we controlled more of the game. Here, every team is quick, strong, and good with the ball."
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