“He’s having a nightmare” - Gary Neville calls out 26-year-old Manchester United star for being frustrating to watch in 4-3 loss against Tottenham

Manchester United legend Gary Neville hit out at Lisandro Martinez after his mistakes in their defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, December 19. The Argentine was at fault for two goals as Spurs beat the Red Devils 4-3 in the EFL Cup quarter-final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The hosts led 1-0 at half-time and came out all guns blazing in the second half, making it 2-0 within the first minute. James Maddison put in a low cross for Dominic Solanke but it was cut out by Lisandro Martinez, who attempted a meek flick instead of clearing the ball. It fell into the path of Dejan Kulusevski, who scored from close range.

Watching the goal on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said (via United in Focus):

“[It’s frustrating as] your defender just flicks it with the outside of his boot, it’s a wimpish clearance.”

Martinez then made another mistake eight minutes later. He first played Solanke onside during a Tottenham attack and then was brushed aside easily by the Englishman, who completed his brace.

After Spurs' third goal, Neville said about the Manchester United defender:

“He’s having a nightmare… the start of the second half in particular.”

While Fraser Forster's errors allowed Manchester United a way back into the match, Tottenham showed their resolve to reach the semi-finals.

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Injury-plagued Tottenham eliminate Manchester United in EFL Cup quarter-finals

Tottenham came into the match with 10 players missing due to injuries and suspension, with most of them being their main starters. This includes first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, centre-backs Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies, left-back Destiny Udogie, and more.

However, Spurs started brilliantly as Dominic Solanke gave them the lead in the 15th minute, finishing from the rebound from an Altay Bayindir save. Both sides created multiple opportunities in the first half but failed to take them and it ended 1-0.

Tottenham then made it 2-0 in the second half as Dejan Kulusevski scored in his fourth consecutive match in the 46th minute. Solanke made it 3-0 in the 54th minute. However, Fraser Forster made a mistake, allowing Joshua Zirkzee to score in the 63rd minute. The English goalkeeper then made another horrible mistake, allowing Amad Diallo to make it 3-2 seven minutes later.

Spurs captain Son Heung-min then scored directly from the corner in the 88th minute. While Jonny Evans scored in the 94th minute, it was merely a consolation for Manchester United.

Ange Postecoglou's side will now face Liverpool in a two-legged semi-final, with Arsenal facing Newcastle United in the other semi.