26 May 2024 , 09:11
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Pep Guardiola has hailed Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, claiming he "made the difference" in the FA Cup final.
United beat Manchester City 2-1 to lift the trophy thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. However, it was Martinez who Guardiola singled out for praise after the game.
"Lisandro Martinez is top five centre-backs in the world," Guardiola said. "He made the difference on this game by playing passes through our defence."
It is not the first time Guardiola has hailed Martinez, having previously defended him back in 2022 when concerns were raised about the Argentine's height. When asked about the prospect of the 5ft 9in Martinez battling the 6ft 4in Erling Haaland, Guardiola quickly dismissed the argument.
"Erling is taller, that's for sure," he said. "I like when people underestimate players for the size. He can tell them I'm here and a good player. He's a fantastic player, aggressive, good build up.
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"United paid this money, Erik [ten Hag] knows him. It's not the first time he's played against taller strikers, he handles it. [It's] important to be intelligent, brave. The crosses, Erling is taller, we see what happens."
Martinez has been out of action for long spells this season with foot, knee and calf injuries and was forced off with cramp in the final due to his lack of minutes in recent weeks. "For me, it was a really, really tough season, you know, due to my injuries, and it's all new for me, you know," he told Sony after the game.
Lisandro Martinez helped Manchester United win (Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)"I've never been injured in the foot, in the knee, and the calf as well. I was like, wow, this is a dream or what, you know? And I'm now, I'm really strong mentally, physically, today for sure, because I played only against Newcastle, Brighton, and now the final.
"I felt cramp in my leg, so I couldn't finish the game, that's why I was unhappy. But I knew that I have my teammates behind me, and they give everything."
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