Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson has openly shared that there was a period when he gradually stopped following the team closely after the retirement of the legendary manager Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Robson, affectionately known to fans as “Captain Marvel,” explained that the years immediately following Ferguson’s departure were difficult for him emotionally because the club seemed to lose many of the qualities that once defined it.
During an interview reflecting on that era, the former midfielder admitted that although he continued to keep track of results, he found it increasingly hard to sit down and watch matches regularly.
For someone who dedicated so many years of his career to the club, the situation was painful.
Robson said the team no longer displayed the same identity, hunger, or relentless fighting spirit that had once made Manchester United one of the most feared sides in football.
He described feeling disconnected from the squad during that transitional period. In his eyes, the passion and intensity that once characterised the club had faded, and that made it difficult for him to feel the same excitement he used to experience while watching United play.
Even though he remained supportive, the emotional bond he had always felt with the team seemed to weaken during those years.
However, Robson explained that his perspective began to change when he watched Lisandro Martinez in action. Interestingly, it was not a spectacular goal or a dazzling moment of skill that captured his attention.
Instead, it was a fierce defensive challenge that instantly reminded him of the type of determination that once defined the club.
The former captain vividly recalled seeing the Argentine defender slide aggressively into a tackle near the touchline.
After winning the challenge, Martinez reportedly jumped back to his feet and celebrated the moment with visible passion in front of the supporters.
For Robson, that simple yet powerful display of commitment struck a chord and immediately reminded him of the mentality he believed had been missing from the team.
According to Robson, the determination, aggression, and pride shown in that moment echoed the mentality that defined the great Manchester United sides of the 1980s and 1990s.
He believes Martinez represents a blend of modern footballing ability and the fearless attitude that once made the club so formidable against opponents.
Robson also spoke positively about the current work being done by interim manager Michael Carrick, who stepped in after the departure of Ruben Amorim.
In his opinion, Carrick has begun restoring important qualities within the squad, including discipline, tactical awareness, and competitive drive.
He added that Carrick’s deep knowledge of the game has helped players like Martinez perform at their best. Robson described the defender as not only a strong presence in defence but also someone capable of organising teammates and providing leadership from the back.
With Manchester United currently performing strongly in the Premier League standings, Robson believes the club is slowly heading back in the right direction.
The renewed atmosphere around the team, both on the pitch and at the training ground, has given him confidence that United can once again challenge at the highest level.
For Robson, that single moment when Martinez threw himself into a fearless tackle represented far more than just a defensive action.
In his eyes, it symbolised the return of pride, determination, and hunger—qualities he believes every player must display when wearing the Manchester United shirt.
Because of that renewed spirit, the former captain says he now watches the team again with fresh optimism, convinced that the club is slowly rediscovering the identity that once made it dominant in world football.
