Man City icon Bakary Sagna names 'proper defender' Manchester United have ahead of derby

Former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has heaped praised on United's Lisandro Martinez ahead of Sunday's derby.

Martinez has established himself as a key player in the Reds' backline since joining in the summer as one of Erik ten Hag's new signings. The 24-year-old has been ever present for United and his performances earned him the club's August player of the month.

On Sunday, the Argentine centre-back will be lining up for United in his first ever Manchester derby as the two rivals clash at the Etihad Stadium. Ahead of the encounter, Sagna described Martinez as a 'proper' defender insisting that his displays are helping to unleash the attacking players ahead of him.

"Lisandro Martinez at United, that guy is a real defender," Sagna told Lord Ping. "He is serious - there is nothing flashy about his play. He does his job perfectly.

"Not only does he have great ability on the ball, but he relishes the duels - he engages attackers. As a defender, you have to be scary, strong.

"Some defenders forget they are defenders, they want to be skillful at the back. He makes United solid and gives a platform for their attacking players to shine - that is the job of a proper defender."

Martinez will have to be at the very top of his game Sunday when he comes up against the Premier League's deadliest striker. 

Erling Haaland has already notched 14 goals in just ten appearances in all competitions since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.