Manchester United duo Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes have been included in WhoScored’s Premier League and European Teams of the Week following their outstanding performances in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
United headed into the match on a run of four consecutive defeats across all competitions and the expectation was that Liverpool would obliterate them at Anfield.
However, Ruben Amorim’s men produced a valiant performance, earning themselves a hard-fought point on extremely hostile grounds. Martinez and Amad Diallo grabbed United’s goals.
United nearly won it right at the death when Harry Maguire was presented with a golden opportunity to find the back of the net but the defender aimed his effort over the crossbar.
There were several standout performers for United, although it’s Martinez and Fernandes who have been recognised by WhoScored.
🏴 Premier League Team of the Week pic.twitter.com/ZDDNc1XJE6
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 7, 2025
🇪🇺 European Team of the Week pic.twitter.com/1x6nsCy625
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 7, 2025
In addition to his goal – a stupendous finish into the roof of the net – Martinez was solid defensively, helping Diogo Dalot to keep Mohamed Salah quiet.
Fernandes had one of his best performances in a United shirt. The skipper dominated the midfield and was almost unplayable. He drew praise from Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
Meanwhile, Amad was named in Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week.
On the rationale behind Amad’s selection, Deeney wrote, “The Anfield draw was a coming-of-age game for Diallo. Every now and then you have a game where everyone goes ‘there he is’ and to do it for Manchester United against Liverpool, who are flying high and everyone thought they’d win by six or seven, he was excellent.”
“The problem he’ll have now is that everyone will expect him to deliver those performances week on week.”
“At such a young age everyone will start to look at him as being the main man under this manager so he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders coming soon, but for now let’s just appreciate how well he’s doing.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they face Arsenal at the Emirates in the third round of the FA Cup.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
