Lisandro Martinez says he and his Manchester United teammates must be ready for battle ahead of Saturday’s derby with Manchester City and insisted he has realigned his focus after Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
The defender has made three appearances since his return to Old Trafford following his country’s success in Qatar. He started his first match since the trophy lift in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Charlton in the League Cup quarter-finals.
Martinez was allowed extra time off to celebrate Argentina’s win and so missed the victories over Nottingham Forest and Wolves. He made two late substitute appearances in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth - his first match back at United - and the 3-1 FA Cup Third Round success over Everton.
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He is expected to start against City on Saturday lunchtime, which will be his first Premier League home start since October’s 1-0 win over West Ham. Speaking to ICS (via manutd.com), Martinez explained how he has his mind fully trained on the derby after ‘adapting’ back from his mid-season jubilation.
''It's just pure joy. I'm extremely happy,'' he said of his success with Argentina. ''I really can't put into words what it feels like to be a world champion but it's crazy. I'm enjoying every second so I'm really happy.
''Now I'm [back] here at my club and giving everything. It's been strange [having the World Cup during the season] but, as a player, you need to adapt because it's something you can't control."
He further reminded his teammates: ''We need to be ready and push forward, that's all.'' Martinez turns 25 on Wednesday and said ''it would be lovely" to earn a win over City as an early birthday present.
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