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Richard Martin

Northern Football Writer

📝 Bio: I'm a football writer covering Manchester United and Manchester City. I am a regular at Old Trafford and The Etihad Stadium and am often found at the City Football Academy or United's Carrington Training Ground for press conferences. I covered Spanish football for 10 years at the height of the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi era, witnessing Real Madrid win three consecutive Champions Leagues while Barca scooped multiple La Liga crowns. I moved back to my former home of Manchester in 2023, in time to cover City swooping to the treble and a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League crown, plus the never-ending melodrama unfolding at United. Highlights while working for GOAL include interviewing Julian Alvarez, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot.

⚽ My Football Story: My first game was seeing Manchester United getting destroyed 4-1 by Tottenham in 1996, aged eight. It did not put me off and I have since been to over 700 matches across 16 countries and three continents, from standing on the terraces at River Plate and Napoli to filing match reports from the World Cup final in Moscow or the Europa League final in Bilbao. I live and breathe terrace culture but I equally enjoy analysing the game's top players and coaches.

🎯 Areas of Expertise:

  • Manchester United & Manchester City
  • La Liga
  • Fan culture

🌟 Favourite Footballing Memory:

Reporting from the Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors in Madrid, a once-in-a-lifetime event and a privilege to experience live.

 

 

 

Articles by Richard Martin
  1. Shocker for Shaw & Sesko disappears in derby disaster

    Manchester United were out-classed and over-powered by Manchester City in an embarrassing 3-0 defeat in Sunday's derby which compounded their poor start to the Premier League season. Luke Shaw was the worst of a terrible bunch of defenders while Benjamin Sekso's abject first start summed up the team's limp attack. United have just four points from their first four games and it could get worse before it gets better as they face Chelsea next.

  2. Cherki told he can reach KDB numbers - if he fixes biggest 'weakness'

    Rayan Cherki has been tipped to be as successful at Manchester City as Kevin De Bruyne by Gael Clichy. The former City left-back used to coach the maverick attacking midfielder when he played for France's under-21 side and gave special insight into what he can offer Pep Guardiola's side. And he outlined the one aspect of his game that he needs to improve upon in order to truly shine at the Etihad Stadium.