Lisandro Martinez has again been singled out for criticism following Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
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United were soundly beaten by the German champions with the 4-3 scoreline perhaps flattering Erik ten Hag’s side in their group opener on Wednesday night.
Andre Onana shouldered much of the blame following his calamitous error that led to Leroy Sane’s opener but United legends Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand were quick to highlight Martinez’s role as United shipped a second four minutes later.
Serge Gnabry found himself unmarked in the box to drill home Jamal Musiala’s cutback with the Argentina international and Sergio Reguilon both focusing on Harry Kane in the six yard area.
Scholes and Ferdinand both questioned Martinez’s decision-making in that incident, believing he failed to spot the danger in front of him.
‘I’m not sure Martinez is doing with this goal,’ Scholes told TNT Sport while analysing Bayern’s second.
‘He goes backwards, he and Reguilon have one player between them, Reguilon should take that man. Martinez should be getting out to Gnabry who scores that goal. If anything, I think he blocks the goalkeeper’s view.’
Ferdinand added: ‘Martinez is at fault, he should recognise the danger, where the players in the box are.’
Martinez joined United from Ajax in a £56million deal last summer, enjoying a superb first season in English football under ten Hag. His performances this term have come under scrutiny this season however with United conceding 14 goals in their last five games.
Treble-winning goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was also critical during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Brighton with Martinez deceived by a clever dummy from Pascal Gross who slotted home his side’s second.
The Argentine made an attempt to block the Brighton star but was easily turned and beaten inside his own box.
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Club legend Schmeichel was left perplexed by Martinez’s efforts, questioning his positioning and decision-making.
‘It is kind of what happens at Manchester United at the minute, it is very individual,’ Schmeichel told Premier League Productions. ‘Players, for instance, Martinez here, are trying to be a hero and get in and block. People know this. If we look at him there, he puts himself in a position directly in line of the goalkeeper.
‘He should be closing down rather of just stood up trying to block. If you want to block, don’t turn your body, stand tall. Clearly things aren’t right for Manchester United.’
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