Lisandro Martinez has opened up on the dressing-room inquest that got Manchester United's top-four push back on track.
United got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford, to take Erik ten Hag's side back up into fourth place. It was the response they needed after United's abject 2-0 defeat at top-four rivals Newcastle, which prompted a major inquest among Ten Hag's players.
Defender Martinez said United cannot afford a repeat of the Newcastle debacle if they want to secure a top-four finish and an immediate return to the Champions League. The Argentina World Cup winner said Ten Hag's men must show “fight” and “respect” for the United badge after failing to do so against Eddie Howe's side.
“We spoke, we spoke as a team,” said Martinez. “We know it's not possible to play like that, especially these kinds of games.
“We have to fight more than the opponent, we have to play with more passion, we have to play with more energy. Now, every game is a final and you have to play with passion, you have to be ready, you have to be sharp, you have to fight for these three points.
“If you don't do that, I think it's not showing respect for this club. You have to be always fighting, every game - fighting for the badge.”
Reflecting on United's narrow win over Brentford, which was high on character but low on quality, Martinez said it was hugely significant in the race for a top-four place. Victory at home over Everton tomorrow would see United open up a six-point advantage over fifth-placed Tottenham, with nine games left to play.
“It was a massive three points for us,” said Martinez. “We want to be there, especially to qualify for the Champions League.
“It's up to us. We don't have to think of other opponents. It's up to us if we play like we did against Brentford.
“I really liked the reaction of the team, the effort as well. We won the game and that was good. The manager was happy. We have to keep going with this mentality, not like against Newcastle.
“So, I'm really happy for the team and really proud as well. Now we got the three points and we have to think now to Everton and we have to work a lot.”
Marcus Rashford's winner on Wednesday took his goal tally for the season to 28 and Martinez paid tribute to the in-form United and England man.
“I’m really happy for him,” said Martinez. “He needs to score and he scored.
“But I'm really happy with his effort. He worked a lot, he ran a lot, and I'm really proud of his mentality.”
