Is not as if I’m afraid of Him,but I could remember what He did to me the last time we faced”, Man United defender Lisandro Martinez names the One City player that He is afraid of facing today

It’s Not as If I’m Afraid of Him, But…” – Lisandro Martinez Opens Up About Facing Erling Haaland in the Manchester Derby

In the build-up to the much-anticipated Manchester derby, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez offered a rare glimpse into his mindset as he prepares to face one of the most dangerous forwards in world football, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Known for his fearlessness and aggressive style of play, Martinez admitted that a previous encounter with the Norwegian striker had left a mark, though not one that has shaken his confidence.

Reflecting on the Past

“It’s not as if I’m afraid of him,” Martinez remarked with a steely gaze during the pre-match press conference. “But I can’t forget what he did to me the last time we faced.”

Martinez’s admission was candid, acknowledging Haaland’s undeniable impact during their last meeting. The towering striker, celebrated for his extraordinary blend of strength, speed, and clinical precision, has terrorized defenses across Europe since joining the Premier League. Haaland’s ability to single-handedly change the course of a match makes him a formidable adversary, even for a player as combative as Martinez.

A Clash of Titans

The rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City has always been about more than just team pride—it’s a stage where individual battles can define the outcome. For Martinez, the challenge of containing Haaland is not merely a test of skill but a battle of wills. Standing at 5’9″, the Argentine centre-back has consistently defied expectations, earning the nickname “The Butcher” for his no-nonsense defending and relentless work ethic. However, Haaland’s combination of physical dominance and footballing intelligence presents a unique challenge, even for a player of Martinez’s caliber.
In their previous encounters, Haaland’s ability to exploit gaps in United’s defense and dominate aerial battles was on full display. For Martinez, these experiences serve as both a lesson and a motivator. “Facing someone like Haaland is never easy,” he admitted. “But it’s these moments that push you to improve and prove yourself.”

Tactical Preparation and Unity

Despite the personal nature of his comments, Martinez was quick to emphasize the importance of teamwork in overcoming such challenges. “It’s not about me versus Haaland,” he explained. “It’s about us as a team. We know their strengths, and we’ve been working hard to counter them. It’s not just about stopping Haaland—it’s about disrupting City as a whole.”

Under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, Manchester United have been meticulously preparing for the derby, focusing on defensive organization and nullifying City’s attacking threats. Martinez, along with his defensive partner Raphael Varane, will play a crucial role in executing this strategy. The duo’s chemistry and understanding could be pivotal in containing not just Haaland but also the creative forces behind him, such as Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.

The Weight of Expectation

As match day approaches, fans and pundits alike are buzzing with anticipation. The prospect of seeing Martinez go toe-to-toe with Haaland adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already heated rivalry. Will Martinez’s resilience and tactical acumen shine through, or will Haaland’s relentless hunger for goals once again tilt the scales in City’s favor?

For Martinez, this is more than just another game—it’s an opportunity to showcase his mettle on one of football’s biggest stages. “I respect Haaland, but I don’t fear him,” he stated. “These are the matches you dream of as a player, the ones where you can truly test yourself.”

A Derby for the Ages

When Lisandro Martinez and Erling Haaland meet on the pitch, the clash promises to be nothing short of electrifying. Martinez’s unyielding determination, paired with Haaland’s insatiable appetite for goals, sets the stage for an intense duel that could define the narrative of the derby.

In a match steeped in history, pride, and passion, this individual battle symbolizes the essence of the Manchester rivalry. For Martinez, it’s a chance to silence his critics, rise above past struggles, and lead his team to glory. For Haaland, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm his dominance and cement his status as one of the world’s elite strikers.

No matter the outcome, this contest will leave a lasting impression—a reminder of the fierce competition and raw emotion that make football’s gre

atest rivalries so unforgettable.

Lisandro Martinez’s reflections on facing Erling Haaland ahead of the Manchester derby highlight the intensity of the personal battle between the two. Despite admitting that Haaland left a lasting impression during their previous encounter, Martinez emphasized that he is not afraid. Known for his tenacity and no-nonsense defending, Martinez faces a unique challenge in Haaland, whose combination of physicality and intelligence has tormented many defenders.

Martinez stressed that the upcoming clash isn’t just about him against Haaland, but about Manchester United as a team working together to neutralize Manchester City’s attacking prowess. With a defensive partnership alongside Raphael Varane, Martinez aims to disrupt City’s offensive flow, not just Haaland.

The build-up to the derby is filled with anticipation, with fans eager to see if Martinez’s resilience will shine through against one of the world’s best strikers. For Martinez, this is an opportunity to test himself on the grand stage, a defining moment in his career. Regardless of the outcome, the encounter promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the fierce Manchester rivalry.