Manchester United are on a hot streak at the moment and after Sunday’s 3-1 win over table leaders Arsenal, the gap between the two teams has narrowed to just three points.
Not many could have seen United’s current squad beat Liverpool and Arsenal while keeping clean sheets against Southampton and Leicester City away from home.
But Erik ten Hag has excited the Reds and, despite not dominating full games, they have always found a way to win, which is a great quality, especially for a team just starting out under new management.
All-round defense
The defensive unit deserves praise for allowing only two goals in the last four games after conceding six in the first two. The manager’s decision to change staff has worked wonders.
Raphael Varane has held steady since being drafted into the squad in place of club captain Harry Maguire, but Lisandro Martinez’s performances have quickly made him a fan favorite among the United faithful.
The Argentine is a fiery character, who gives it his all whether it’s tackles, blocks or even headers. This no-holds-barred style of play has already earned comparisons to United legend Nemanja Vidic.
There were question marks when United paid big bucks to sign the former Ajax defender and many pundits wondered if he could cope with the Premier League physique considering his height.
Lisandro Martinez is fine. He only loaded his adductor a little. He went out as a precaution. Nothing serious. pic.twitter.com/9osM0ngmlR
– Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) September 4, 2022
But Ten Hag always trusted Martinez’s abilities and his confidence has been vindicated by the Argentina international, who has used his game-reading skills and defensive awareness to eliminate danger even before it happens.
He has used his beefy frame to great effect and Jamie Vardy even went so far as to say that he felt the United defender was a “bully” on the pitch. Quite a compliment from the former England international!
Martinez passed in form
Against Arsenal, who by the way competed with United for his services, he was immense and together with Varane, he barely allowed Gabriel Jesus to get a foot in the game.
He had to be pulled with ten minutes remaining due to injury and fans were concerned that their new defensive rock would be on the sidelines for a considerable amount of time.
However, TyC Sport overruled those fears, stating that the 24-year-old was suffering from a minor groin injury and, as a precaution, was withdrawn.
“Lisandro Martínez is fine. Only the hijacker loaded a bit. He went out as a precaution. Nothing serious”, mentioned the journalist Gastón Edul.
He is likely to be rested for the Europa League midweek clash against Real Sociedad but will be in contention to feature in United’s next Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next Sunday.
