Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has explained why he did not bother about marking Erling Haaland prior to the Norwegian’s goal in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
The Argentine expressed his discontent following the contentious VAR decision that led to his team’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City. He labelled the situation an “injustice.”
The Argentine centre-back contended that Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position prior to Erling Haaland netting the decisive goal.
Martinez asserted that Fernandez’s positioning influenced his actions in the penalty area, leaving the Norwegian unmarked at the back post.
He told reporters after the match, “I believe [Fernandez] was offside. What I find perplexing are the rules.
“He was right there! I approached him because he was directly in front of me. That is why Haaland was unmarked at the back.”
The Manchester United defender further criticised the quality of officiating in the Premier League, remarking:
“I strive to remain composed, but it is incredibly challenging. Each season, officials come to our club and spend an hour clarifying the rules, appearing very confident in their explanations.
“Yet, having five or six officials making such errors in the Premier League is simply unacceptable. We have to return home with this sense of injustice.”
When asked if he would have marked Haaland had Fernandez not been present, the 27-year-old responded:
“Absolutely, it is as straightforward as that.”
In the wake of this defeat, Manchester United currently sit in 13th place in the Premier League standings, having accumulated four points from four matches.
The Red Devils have recorded one win, one draw and two losses thus far, scoring seven goals while conceding an equal number.
EPL: ‘Why I left Haaland unmarked’ – Lisandro Martinez laments Man United defeat to Man City