Nicky Butt has offered praise to Lisandro Martínez and two other Manchester United stars following their 3-2 win over Arsenal.
Lisandro Martínez was once again a standout performer for Manchester United on the weekend despite scoring an unfortunate own goal early in the game.
The defender immediately bounced back from that moment and helped Michael Carrick’s side take control of the game with Arsenal.
He played 11 line-breaking passes throughout the match and United also defended very well throughout. Arsenal’s only real threat came through set-pieces.
The Argentine has received plenty of criticism from Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt in recent weeks but Butt has instead praised the defender following the weekend’s game.
Butt praises Martínez and two other United stars
Speaking on his podcast, Butt was discussing United’s improved defensive performances and highlighted the role of Harry Maguire.
The ex-midfielder also praised Martínez and Casemiro, but was mostly impressed by Maguire’s commanding presence in the backline.
“He got the Man of the Match yesterday, big Harry, he got his accolade yesterday,” Butt said.
“But having him back, he keeps it solid and Martínez as well is doing well next to him. But the defence is solid and I’m sure he [Maguire] is speaking to the sitting midfielders in front of him.
“It just seems a lot more solid, Casemiro was good as well sitting in front of it, and what Harry does… I think the days are gone where he can sprint into channels but he defends the box really well and commands the people in front of him.”
Martínez’s importance is clear
Maguire’s impact in these last two games has been huge but you cannot underestimate Martínez’s importance to United when he’s on the ball.
For Patrick Dorgu’s screamer, it was the Argentine who started the move with a slick pass in between Arsenal’s lines. He makes these kind of passes consistently.
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United’s build-up is always better when he is on the pitch and it seems like him and Maguire have struck a solid partnership in these last two games.
They will likely be tested more against other teams, where they will be expected to step up and squeeze the pitch as United dominate possession. That will be a true indicator of their current levels, although they will be full of confidence heading into those games.
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