Pep Guardiola doubles down on Lisandro Martinez comments after Man United beat Man City

Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, stating he "made the difference" in the FA Cup final.

United clinched the trophy with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday, courtesy of strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Yet it was Martinez who earned Guardiola's commendation post-match.

"Lisandro Martinez is top five centre-backs in the world," Guardiola said post-match. "He made the difference on this game by playing passes through our defence."

Guardiola has previously spoken highly of Martinez, defending him in 2022 amid doubts about his height. Addressing the challenge of Martinez facing the towering Erling Haaland, Guardiola had confidently brushed aside the concerns, reports the Mirror.

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"Erling is taller, that's for sure," he acknowledged. "I like when people underestimate players for the size. He can tell them I'm here and a good player. He's a fantastic player, aggressive, good build up..

"United paid this money, Erik [ten Hag] knows him. It's not the first time he's played against taller strikers, he handles it. [It's] important to be intelligent, brave. The crosses, Erling is taller, we see what happens."

Martinez has been plagued by foot, knee and calf injuries this season, leading to long periods of absence from the pitch. He was forced to come off in final due to cramp, a result of his limited game time in recent weeks.

"For me, it was a really, really tough season, you know, due to my injuries, and it's all new for me, you know," he said after United's victory.

"I've never been injured in the foot, in the knee, and the calf as