Rúben Amorim’s use of his Manchester United substitutes against Aston Villa shows one first-teamer should be dropped from the squad for the foreseeable future.
Manchester United travelled to Villa Park hoping for all three points away from home for what would have been only the fourth time this season, but brilliance from Morgan Rodgers made that impossible.
Casemiro’s absence before the game was a huge blow, but with Kobbie Mainoo’s training injury, that problem grew tenfold. Bruno Fernandes’ first-half hamstring issue only made matters worse as Lisandro Martínez was forced into midfield for the second 45.
Rogers gave Villa the lead just before halftime, with an excellent curling effort from outside the box. Leny Yoro couldn’t get close enough to close down the English international, and Senne Lammens was left a spectator in between the sticks.
A quick reply from Matheus Cunha, following a Patrick Chinazaepere Dorgu challenge, levelled the game before the break, but Fernandes’ absence was clearly noted in the second period.
Martínez impressed at the base of midfield, but he couldn’t stop Rogers’ second goal in the 57th minute. Diogo Dalot failed to block the original cross, and the ball fell to Rogers, who curled another beauty into the top right corner.
Martínez in midfield conversations
When Fernandes signalled to the bench that he would have to be withdrawn, United fans cowered behind their chairs at home, as Mainoo’s absence meant there was no clear alternative. But Martínez put all their worries to rest.
The natural central defender has been out injured for the majority of the campaign, but has impressed since his return, although his midfield performance must put him in the conversation to start in that position regularly.
According to FotMob, Martínez made 29 passes – with a 91% passing accuracy – while playing six passes into the final third. The Argentine continued to impress after Manuel Ugarte’s withdrawal, despite being alongside an inexperienced Jack Fletcher.
The former Ajax defender also looked more than comfortable without the ball – he made one tackle and three ball recoveries as Rúben Amorim’s side looked to mount a comeback.
Martínez brought calmness and composure to the United midfield. Those qualities haven’t been seen since the days of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba; it was a quality cameo from the natural defender.
Martínez ahead of Ugarte
Unlike Martínez, Ugarte struggled again in central midfield, even before Fernandes was brought off. The Aston Villa result makes it seven losses in a row for The Red Devils when Ugarte has started.
Perhaps, the former PSG midfielder will drop behind Martínez in the midfield conversations, especially if Luke Shaw continues his impressive run of form on the left side of defence.
Read More: Player Ratings: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United (Premier League)
Ugarte may be forced to look for a move in the January transfer window, although he may be forced to stay if Mainoo is allowed to leave on loan.
It won’t be long before Amorim grows tired of his former Sporting CP midfielder; he could be out the door with Casemiro in the summer.
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