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Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has revealed what interim head coach Michael Carrick told his players to inspire Saturday's 2-0 win over Manchester City. The Red Devils entered the match seeking their first victory of 2026, following draws against Burnley and Leeds United, as well as being dumped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle against Brighton & Hove Albion.

And United put on a dominant performance at Old Trafford with Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu netting goals to secure all three points with a scoreline that flattered the visitors. Martinez had been mocked by United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt before the match.

On their podcast, the pair dismissed the notion that the former Ajax star could handle City's Erling Haaland due to the significant size difference between them. But Martinez was a stalwart in defence for Carrick's team, successfully neutralising the threat posed by Haaland.

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Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Martinez opened up on Carrick and revealed what the 44-year-old said inside the dressing room before a ball was kicked.

He said: "One important thing Michael Carrick said was: use the energy of the people. Today I think we did it. When we are together it is impossible to lose at home.

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"We know how we've suffered during the season but the only way is showing face and showing who we are.

"This was the best moment to do it. The team, not just the players on the pitch, but also on the bench, everyone was part of that."

Rather than discussing his own individual performance - Martinez chose to praise his teammates for their unity and the headline-grabbing performance they delivered.

The 27-year-old said: "When you play against this kind of players, the team defends. Not just one or two players. Today we defended so well.

"We were so compact all the time and then you have the confidence to go the duels. You feel today a different energy in the eyes of the players.

"Today the team won, that's the most important thing for me."

On the result, he added: "Unbelievable. Unbelievable. Being here with the fans, with the team, we really know how we suffer during the season.

"But the only way is putting the face here and showing here who we are. Today is the best moment to do it. Not just the players on the pitch, the staff, everyone was part of that."