‘Lift-off’: BBC Sport pundit makes U-turn on £56m Man Utd star after slamming summer signing

BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks was happy to have been proven wrong over his previous criticism of Lisandro Martinez following Manchester United’s win over Liverpool.

Crooks had earlier lambasted the defender following United’s opening day defeat to Brighton, claiming that the club had: “Completed another long-term signing without knowing whether the player can handle life in the Premier League or the Old Trafford stage.”

However, Martinez looks to have redeemed himself after a stellar performance against Liverpool, with Crooks adding the centre-back to his BBC Sport Team of the Week.

Writing in his column, Crooks said: “I questioned recently whether Erik ten Hag had what it takes to manage Manchester United and I was scathing about the performance of Lisandro Martinez against Brentford. Well, both came up trumps against Liverpool.

“Martinez looked like a centre-back who had finally come to terms with the physicality of the Premier League. As for Liverpool they were not at their best and haven’t been this season. It’s early days but United have lift off.”

A brilliant display from the Red Devils left them 2-0 up shortly after half-time and while Mohamed Salah was able to peg one back, Martinez was praised and was voted the club’s Man of the Match by supporters.

Erik ten Hag made a bold move in dropping captain Harry Maguire for the Old Trafford clash and it looks like Martinez and Raphael Varane may have solidified their positions in the backline after last night’s victory.