Manchester United fans have praised Lisandro Martinez‘s leadership skills after spotting the defender reigning in Alejandro Garnacho after his FA Cup final goal.
Garnacho had opened the scoring at Wembley on Saturday, seizing on a mix-up between Man City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and defender Josko Gvardiol.
Gvardiol headed the ball over Ortega after the goalkeeper had come off his line, with Garnacho rolling the ball into an empty net to put Man United ahead.
Man United’s players celebrated with Garnacho before walking back to the halfway line, with the teenage winger then turning round to kiss the club’s badge in the direction of Man City supporters.
Martinez was quick to spot Garnacho’s act, with the defender turning and pulling the his compatriot away.
The 26-year-old was then seen raising a hand in apology to Man City supporters as he pushed Garnacho back towards their half.
Man United fans praised Martinez for helping to ensure Garnacho quickly refocused on the match, suggesting his leadership had been missing this season amid a series of injury problems.
‘Lisandro Martinez is trying to tell Garnacho to keep his cool and get on with the game. LEADERSHIP,’ one Man United fan said.
‘Another reason these excellent youngsters need good senior players around them to guide them in the right direction,’ another wrote.
‘This is one thing I noticed in that game that is really important for our youngsters,’ one fan claimed, while another wrote ‘Honestly Martinez’s leadership and tenacity/desire has been missed.’
Man United went on to secure a 2-1 victory over their local rivals, with Kobbie Mainoo scoring their decisive second goal.
Martinez has since stressed the importance of senior players within the squad showing the club’s youngsters the best way to act in their careers.
‘They deserve it,’ Martinez told Sony Sports Network.
‘For sure, we need to show them the way, how to do it, because it’s difficult for them, for their age, to control – because they become famous and this kind of thing.
‘So it’s really important to show them, to teach them, how to go out in a good way. So now, keep control.
‘Celebrate, but with control.’
Martinez and Garnacho will be in search of further silverware this summer with the pair having been called up to Argentina’s squad for the Copa America.
The world champions will start the tournament as favourites in the United States next month.