Aheed Abrar
Paul Scholes concerned about the defence of Manchester United if Lisandro Martinez is sidelined
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is concerned about the Red Devils’ defence if Lisandro Martinez were to miss out. The 24-year-old has been key for Erik ten Hag.
The Argentine centre-back made his way to Old Trafford from Ajax this summer. The 24-year-old had a shaky start. However, the last few fixtures have reflected the defender’s qualities.
Speaking via Manchester Evening News, Scholes listed the traits needed to be successful. And Martinez has shown determination to bounce back after the initial setback.
“At United it’s about the determination more than anything. You know the talent is there but it’s about getting up to people, stopping people, getting up to people, being solid at the back.”
The Argentine was forced off in the 80th minute against Arsenal. And the Red Devil, who played for United for 19-and-a-half-seasons, is worried about the Manchester-based club’s backline without Martinez.
“Having that solid back-four now is helping them. Martinez coming out of that might be a worry going forward.”
In Ten Hag’s first two competitive games in the Old Trafford side’s dugout, the Dutch manager started Harry Maguire alongside the former Ajax defender. United lost against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
The result against the Bees was worrying for fans as the Red Devils conceded four goals in the first 35 minutes. And Ten Hag made some bold decisions following the loss.
Against Liverpool, our captain was replaced in the backline by Raphael Varane. The partnership of the French national and Martinez in the back four was successful in keeping out the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
And since then, the duo has started every game in defence for United. Against Southampton, Leicester City and Arsenal, the Red Devils have won and managed to bounce back after their poor start to the 2022/23 campaign.
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Hopefully, Varane and Martinez are able to stay fit throughout the season. United face Crystal Palace next in the PL at Selhurst Park. It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag continues to opt for the same players with midweek Europa League fixtures starting this week.
