Paul Scholes has hailed Lisandro Martinez’s start to his Manchester United career but says he is still unsure about his one-on-one abilities.
The Argentine started his 15th game of the season in Thursday’s Europa League clash with FC Sheriff having become one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s teamsheet. He has impressed since his arrival, dismissing worries about his 5ft 9in height by recording six clean sheets prior to the clash with Sheriff.
Scholes believes that Martinez has proved doubters wrong and hailed his impact at Old Trafford. However, he pinpointed one area of his game that he believes still needs improvement.
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Speaking on BT Sport, Scholes said: “I think the opinion has changed. He is very aggressive, he starts attacks which is what he would have done at Ajax with a lot more possession on the ball.
“I don’t think he is the best defender one-on-one. I think having [Raphael] Varane next to him has really helped him settle, I think he has done well in the first period of his United career and I think the fans are really warming to him already.”
Varane will not be available for United before the World Cup after suffering a knee injury in Saturday’s draw with Chelsea, and so Victor Lindelof started against Sheriff, partnering Martinez for a sixth time this season.
Also starting was Cristiano Ronaldo, who was returning after being dropped for the game with Chelsea due to his early Tottenham exit. Alejandro Garnacho was handed his full first-team debut starting on the left flank with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford benched.
Garnacho lifted the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford in May, scoring two in the final. His academy displays have prompted Ten Hag to include him in senior training alongside fellow youngster Zidane Iqbal, who made the bench against Sheriff.
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