Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has revealed the private message from interim head coach Michael Carrick that inspired Saturday's 2-0 win over Manchester City. The victory was United's first of 2026, following draws against Burnley and Leeds United and an early FA Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Martinez disclosed that Carrick urged the team to 'use the energy of the people'. The Argentine centre-back said: 'One important thing Michael Carrick said was: use the energy of the people. Today I think we did it. When we are together it is impossible to lose at home.'
Martinez, who was mocked by United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt before the game for his perceived inability to handle Erling Haaland, put in a commanding performance to neutralise the City striker. He credited the team's defensive unity rather than individual effort.
'When you play against this kind of players, the team defends. Not just one or two players. Today we defended so well. We were so compact all the time and then you have the confidence to go the duels. You feel today a different energy in the eyes of the players,' Martinez added.
The 27-year-old described the result as 'unbelievable' and emphasised the importance of collective effort: 'We know how we've suffered during the season but the only way is showing face and showing who we are. This was the best moment to do it. The team, not just the players on the pitch, but also on the bench, everyone was part of that.'
