The former Middlesbrough manager delivered a clear message that sparked the team’s best performance of the season. In his dream start as interim head coach, he guided United to a dominant derby victory with a 4-2-3-1 setup, combining defensive solidity and rapid counter-attacks, leaving City struggling to cope with their aggressive, direct style of play.
"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,” Martinez told reporters.
“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 into 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.”