Lisandro Martinez: United ace responds to Gary Neville criticism | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has responded to criticism from Gary Neville after the 2-1 win over England in the World Cup semi-final. Argentina faced the Three Lions at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, 15 July, rekindling an age-old rivalry.

The match came exactly 40 years after Diego Maradona’s masterclass against England in the 1986 World Cup semi-final, which included the infamous “Hand of God” and arguably the tournament’s greatest goal. However, it was England who took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon and looked set for a place in the final until the 85th minute.

That was when Lionel Messi teed up Enzo Fernandez, who scored an absolute beauty to level the scores. The diminutive magician then found Lautaro Martinez with an inch-perfect cross in the dying minutes of the game, and the Inter Milan man scored to secure a memorable win.

Lisandro Martinez started the game but was substituted in the 71st minute for Nicolas Otamendi with La Albiceleste chasing the game. The United man has been solid at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forging an impressive partnership with Cristian Romero. However, the duo were recently criticised by Red Devils legend Gary Neville for their lack of defensive solidity.

Neville outlines Argentina duo’s lack of defensive solidity

Speaking on The Overlap after Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt, Neville labelled Martinez and Romero as the best-worst centre-half pairing in the world. He said: “They seem to give a goal away between them every single game.”

“But you watch them (for Argentina), they are scoring goals, heading the ball, they’re literally everywhere — it’s incredible.”

“I call them the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world. Because at times they can be unbelievable but the next, it’s the sublime to the ridiculous.”

Martinez and Romero secured two clean sheets in their first two group stage games and were rested for the third. Argentina have conceded six goals in their four knockout games at the 2026 World Cup, although their attack has bailed them out time and again.

Lisandro Martinez Stats vs England

Source: Sofascore.

United man hits back at Neville

Speaking to DSports Argentina after the win over England, Martinez suggested that he is used to criticism from pundits and former players. He said: “We’re used to them always talking about us; it seems they enjoy it. We respond on the pitch, and always with respect.”

Romero added: “The only thing I hope is that when I retire, I won’t be so stupid. It’s down to me, but I hope I don’t end up criticising a player or anyone else because, at the end of the day, you go out there to do your best for your club and the national team.”

“We’re delighted to be in a World Cup final again. I think we’re making history; for us, it’s a huge deal and we feel the pride of wearing the shirt like no one else, and we’re delighted to be making history with this national team.”

Final Thoughts

Martinez’s defending has come under scrutiny ever since his arrival at Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022. However, the Argentine enjoyed an outstanding campaign under Michael Carrick last season and remains one of the first names on the teamsheet at Old Trafford.

Featured image by Michael Steele/Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social