Lisandro Martinez Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Brentford Clash
The Impact of Noussair Mazraoui's Return The news that Noussair Mazraoui is fit to play after a minor procedure also affects Martinez's situation. With Mazraoui likely to start at right-back, this provides further stability to the defense, making it even more critical for Ten Hag to select the right partners in the central positions.
Lisandro Martinez’s position at Manchester United could be in jeopardy as the team prepares to host Brentford this afternoon. The latest developments suggest that his starting spot may not be guaranteed following Erik ten Hag's recent tactical decisions.
Recent Tactical Changes
In the recent match against Aston Villa, Ten Hag made headlines by dropping both Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, opting instead for Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans in central defense. This decision paid off, as United managed to secure a crucial clean sheet, with Evans receiving the Player of the Match award for his performance. Maguire’s early injury in that match, which will keep him sidelined for several weeks, has further complicated matters.
Following Maguire’s exit, Ten Hag had the option to reinstate Martinez but chose to bring in De Ligt instead. This decision indicated a potential shift in the pecking order, with Ten Hag showing more trust in De Ligt at this juncture.
The Impact of Noussair Mazraoui's Return
The news that Noussair Mazraoui is fit to play after a minor procedure also affects Martinez's situation. With Mazraoui likely to start at right-back, this provides further stability to the defense, making it even more critical for Ten Hag to select the right partners in the central positions.
Martinez's Defensive Struggles
Martinez has faced challenges this season, particularly with long passes and defending crosses—areas where Brentford excels. They have registered the most long passes in the Premier League (299) and rank first for successful crosses into the box (18). This places additional pressure on Martinez, who has struggled with these aspects early in the campaign.
Future Outlook
If Ten Hag decides to maintain his defensive partnership of Evans and De Ligt due to their recent success, it would leave Martinez fighting to reclaim his place in the starting lineup. Given the stakes of the match against Brentford and United's need for consistency, Ten Hag's choice will be closely scrutinized.
Martinez's ability to regain his spot will depend on his performances in training and any opportunities he might receive in upcoming fixtures. The pressure is on for the £57 million defender to prove his worth and secure his position in Ten Hag’s plans.
