LISANDRO MARTINEZ claims Manchester United have to stop playing long balls to the strikers.
The United defender admits that the team have to do more to help forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee who are both struggling up front for Ruben Amorim’s side.
AlamyLisandro Martinez hopes a change of approach can see Man Utd turn their fortunes around[/caption]
ReutersThe Red Devils are looking to get Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee firing[/caption]
Martinez, who scored the winner in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Fulham to ease the pressure on Amorim, accepted that the service to Hojlund and Zirkzee has been poor.
He said: “We take the responsibility.
“I think we played many long balls to them [against Fulham] and for them it was really tough.
“They fight against two centre-backs and the centre-backs here in the Premier League are really difficult if you are trying to win the ball.
“But they have to do better as well. They are really good players but we have to contribute more and put them in better space or places on the pitch.
“We have to find them in the right places and dangerous places to make them score.”
Hojlund, on target seven times this season, has failed to score in his last 11 matches.
Zirkzee has only four goals following his summer move from Bologna.
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But United are now preparing for Thursday’s Europa League game against FCSB in Romania looking for a third successive win under Amorim.
Martinez added: “We have to keep this momentum for sure.
“It’s an amazing feeling when you win, but we have to be humble.”
Asked about the confidence in the dressing room, the Argentine star did not want to go overboard.
He said: “We’re ok. I’m not going to talk about confidence and that kind of thing.
“Beating Fulham was really important because we hadn’t got the best results in the Premier League.”
MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleys
MANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.
Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.
Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.
Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.
Andre Onana – 7
Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.
Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham‘s main attacking threat.
Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.
Matthijs de Ligt – 8
Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.
Harry Maguire – 9
A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.
Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.
His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.
Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.
Amad Diallo – 6
Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.
He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.
Alejandro Garnacho – 3
Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4
His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.
He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.
Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.
Subs:
Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6
A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5
Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.
Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6
Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6
Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.
A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.
Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6
Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet.
United picked up their first clean sheet since December 1 in the win.
Amorim’s side hadn’t stopped a team from scoring since a 4-0 victory over Everton 14 games ago.
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