Lisandro Martinez breaks silence on rivalry with Erling Haaland ahead of Manchester derby | OneFootball

Lisandro Martinez has addressed his rivalry with Erling Haaland ahead of Manchester United’s derby with Manchester City, insisting the focus is firmly on the next challenge.

According to Goal.com, United host City at Old Trafford on Sunday, heading in buoyed by a 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah despite a sluggish league start.

The head-to-head resumes after Haaland scored a hat-trick on Martinez’s derby debut, then went goalless in the next five meetings involving the Argentine. Martinez was outstanding in a 2-0 United victory in January under Michael Carrick.

Martinez downplayed past encounters, saying they no longer matter and that he must be ready because this game will be different.

He acknowledged the midweek result had lifted confidence, while stressing United need to stay calm and humble, enjoy the win, then quickly switch focus to a derby he views as very important.

City will have had an extra 48 hours’ rest, but Martinez said the squad want to play every three days, must recover well and maintain that standard.

The defender also scored against Sabah, though he underlined that his priority is defending, with three points and good football taking precedence over personal accolades.

Source: Goal.com

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