Manchester United lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad in Erik ten Hag’s first European game as coach at Old Trafford.
The Txuri-Urdin went ahead in the 59th minute after receiving a dubious penalty from the referee.
In what many fans will consider a harsh decision, the referee judged that Lisandro MartÃnez had touched the ball inside the area.
The defender slid to block a David Silva shot that ricocheted off his knee and caught him in the forearm. The embarrassing decision on the field was confirmed by the VAR.
Beyond that though, Martinez had a fantastic game. The 24-year-old came on in the second half in place of Diogo Dalot, injecting some much-needed aggression and physicality down the baseline.
Martinez won an incredible 100% of the tackles he made.
The defender also successfully completed 100% of his dribbles and won all of his duels.
The former Ajax star had 52 touches on the ball.
He successfully registered 34 passes, including a crucial key pass.
Martinez had three tackles to his name and made two vital interceptions in the 45 minutes he was on the field.
Lisandro MartÃnez’s match by numbers vs. Society:
100% tackles won 100% dribbles 100% duels won 52 touches 34 passes completed 3 tackles 2 inceptions 1 key pass
Never a penalty. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/rayGyzcgZg
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 8, 2022
The Argentina international is apparently growing bigger and bigger and what will encourage United fans is that he doesn’t appear to be anywhere near the peak of his powers.
He showed his mental toughness once again, recovering well from conceding the penalty and taking control to prevent the baseline from being penetrated.
