EPL: ‘Why I left Haaland unmarked’ – Lisandro Martinez laments Man United defeat to Man City

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has divulged his reasoning behind not focusing on marking Erling Haaland before the Norwegian scored the game-winning goal during Sunday's Manchester derby. The Argentine, visibly aggrieved, branded the situation an "injustice" following a controversial VAR decision. He argued that Manchester City's Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position prior to Haaland's decisive strike, which left the Manchester United center-back unmarked at the back post.

Martinez disclosed to reporters post-match, "I believe [Fernandez] was offside. What I find perplexing are the rules." He continued, "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 United defender also criticized the standard of refereeing in the Premier League, stating, "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, Martinez replied unequivocally, "Absolutely, it is as straightforward as that."

Following this loss, Manchester United finds themselves in 13th position in the Premier League table, having earned four points from four matches. Their record includes one win, one draw, and two defeats, with seven goals scored and conceded.