Erik ten Hag confirms Manchester United tactic rumour; fans are not convinced

Fans have not been convinced as Erik ten Hag confirms as Manchester United tactic rumour that circled two weeks ago.

After a mixed pre-season, Manchester United delivered a strong performance in the Community Shield but narrowly lost to Manchester City on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag‘s men showed encouraging signs, generating several chances for Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay before Alejandro Garnacho found the back of the net with just 10 minutes left on the clock.

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However, with only two minutes remaining in normal time, Bernardo Silva exploited the defence, outmuscling makeshift right-back Facundo Pellistri to equalise. This sent the game to penalties, and City emerged victorious.

Despite the disappointing result, United can take many positives from it, including its chance creation, overall style of play, and the standout performances of returning players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

Two weeks ago, rumours circulated that Ten Hag was planning on using two surprise roles for Lisandro Martínez this coming season, with the Dutch manager planning on using his versatile centre-back at left-back and in midfield if needed.

This was confirmed against City, with Martínez starting on the left flank while positioning himself in midfield on multiple occasions, although some fans were not convinced by the decision.

“Lisandro Martinez should never play Left back,” one fan stated after the tie.

“Starting Lisandro Martinez at left back was already a mistake, but fortunately, no consequences occurred,” another explained.

Rather dramatically, a third said: “Lisandro at left back is just an unbelievably horrible sight, play him at Cb or don’t play him at all.”

Martinez’s position at left back is one that United fans will likely not have to see that often this season, considering the transfer that the club has secured. Noussair Mazraoui is set to sign from Bayern Munich in a deal worth around £12 million.

Although the player is naturally a right-back, Ten Hag is reportedly keen on the signing as Mazraoui can also provide cover at left-back, similarly to Diogo Dalot.

United have Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as the orthodox options in the potions, but considering the pair’s injury records, it will be helpful to have extra players who can cover there, too.

This would make Martínez a fifth-choice and last-resort option in the role. He is undoubtedly much better suited to playing centrally and is expected to resume his place at centre-back as the club faces Fulham on Friday.

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