Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez stood up when Manchester United struggled in the early stages at St Mary’s. There are encouraging signs they could be the solid central defensive pairing Erik ten Hag has craved.
United gained in confidence and controlled the game after scoring their first goal after 35 minutes. But before then they were under pressure and it was the centre backs who helped them ride the storm.
Both players looked aggressive in wanting to win the ball and use their physicality to impact the game.
Without much help from team-mates, they held firm during the difficult first half-hour.
They were proactive in the press — sometimes stepping into midfield to try and win the ball — and there were a couple of good clearing headers from De Ligt. They set the tone for the team.
Yes, we know better opposition such as Liverpool could have finished off United but that’s not the fault of the centre halves; all defenders need some protection which is why Manuel Ugarte has been signed.
The important thing for Ten Hag was to see them gel as a partnership. The positioning between them was good — rarely far apart. Martinez’s distribution was brilliant and De Ligt got a goal to lift him after a difficult international break.
They looked well balanced and secure. The major issues United had came from areas where Diogo Dalot had a tough time. In the middle, they were solid.
Ten Hag now needs to keep that pair together for a run of games so they can develop together. Injuries last season meant United chopped and changed at the back so often, they looked muddled.
De Ligt has probably not had the success his early days at Ajax suggested. What I liked about him yesterday is that he doesn’t seem the type to get flustered by past mistakes or previous performances.
He was substituted on Tuesday by his country against Germany but he was still there organising his United team-mates. I saw him regularly giving instructions, he’s not shy in that respect, not one to go into his shell.
De Ligt and Martinez won’t be able to change United’s fortunes on their own but they and Ugarte can provide a valuable foundation to build on.
zusdeimnpy
0
Bruno is disappointing so far,rashford was better
we have to admit Bruno is disappointing much of this days, but his contribution when he just signed is what is making ppl protect fear to say that.
zusdeimnpy
0
Bruno is gd but to me I think he is not for the current united team, we need somebody who bites the ball,
snapsv
0
they are good defenders but with a poor coach
The coach should defend for them? Lol.
OIA212
1
📈
pafemoflick
0
Bruno Fernandes so disappointing to be losing balls anyhow when given the ball.
That’s something people don’t want to admit , he’s careless with the ball. He’s supposed to be the one dictating how United should play the game
LEYPAA
1
this will be crazy
Kunkunmaster
0
..Bruno and rashford to come in as subs 75minutes of game. not to start. they failed to put team into form,
especially rashy... Bruno somtims can deliver ... and sincerely wen he hold the ball there's always hope.... is just that we expect so much from him..... he's okay though..... but he just need to step up but as a sub Hell NO.
Kunkunmaster
2
but sincerely I feel less pressure in my heart yesterday looking at my defense... Lichan is awesome and Deligt is comfortable.... superb duo.... with ugarte and Mainoo.... then Bruno.... rashy sincerely need to step up... Amad is perfect and Zirkzee is perfect he was not standing for 90 mins..... wow 😳 perfectoooo!!!! but United need to start getting possession.... 💯
fusdinprty
1
After winning one game, everyone think Man United will carry the league👎. Besides, they have the best CB pairing and midfield partnership🤔😎
hi wonder wy asenal fans comenting abt soccer is asenal for football or wat
denniskonye12
3
when playing next against city or Liverpool and when yoro is fit
Cimaeknsty
0
with yoro we have depth in defense
Kimon2
0
Just cos of a win I laugh 😂 Yoro is going to bench Delight I’m very sure when he is back
For sure
Kimon2
1
we Manchester United should also go for Viktor gyokeres sporting Lisbon now. He will help alot
You no well at all. How many strikers you wan play
Football_only
0
plastic
may b but can't be this type of fan who will be satisfied with top 4 finish or with a domestic cup
Football_only
0
this Kinda of fans are not fans. we won that's all lets build on that now
u may know only about this Manu only..we were dominating all matches in past just like now a days city..our target is not to b in first 4..ole perform better than this ETH
jisabdptz
0
It was Southampton ,who lost all 3 games and we are still proud to beat them
If them loose against Southampton, won't you make jest of them. 3 point is point. Liverpool with shock defeat go no value of 3 point than you.
zapbcdmops
0
After winning one game, everyone think Man United will carry the league👎. Besides, they have the best CB pairing and midfield partnership🤔😎
see who's talking Next season FC
zapbcdmops
0
It was Southampton ,who lost all 3 games and we are still proud to beat them
plastic
Beadiklrsz
5
we Manchester United should also go for Viktor gyokeres sporting Lisbon now. He will help alot
Haydieb
1
It was Southampton ,who lost all 3 games and we are still proud to beat them
this Kinda of fans are not fans. we won that's all lets build on that now
foybdlmptz
2
After winning one game, everyone think Man United will carry the league👎. Besides, they have the best CB pairing and midfield partnership🤔😎
Tawdelmy
3
they are good defenders but with a poor coach
weebdkmrtu
0
It was Southampton ,who lost all 3 games and we are still proud to beat them
Another fool pretending to be a fan
AFerhpTQ7189
1
Just cos of a win I laugh 😂 Yoro is going to bench Delight I’m very sure when he is back
Heoeilnop
1
Bruno Fernandes so disappointing to be losing balls anyhow when given the ball.
There are so many creative players, but your e.g just had to be him wow
Ijobalavish
0
Okay
Runbcemu
0
It was Southampton ,who lost all 3 games and we are still proud to beat them
because you are useless
Maubcptuyz
0
If Bruno was Disappoint...whom One Can Replace Him Boss??
Maybe he should play Ugarte,casemiro,mainoo,then Bruno...he needs to play 4:4:2,strong midfield will bring peace to our forwards,they having to defend too much....did you see how zirkzee was defending yesterday he was to deep for a strike,that’s asking too much for into a player let them focus 🧘🏿♀️ only on their positions,why buy forwards to teach pro defend,why not buy defenders to teach them the be forwards
pablobasilica
0
Bruno is disappointing so far,rashford was better
anybody saying Bruno was disappointing so knows nothing about football ⚽
Football_only
1
It was Southampton ,who lost all 3 games and we are still proud to beat them
pablobasilica
1
Bruno Fernandes so disappointing to be losing balls anyhow when given the ball.
creative players do normally loose most possession check kdb
Pundit69
1
After 1 match…hahaha. See what will happen after 8-10 matches.
Vambciktu
3
Bruno Fernandes so disappointing to be losing balls anyhow when given the ball.
Vambciktu
1
Bruno is disappointing so far,rashford was better
yes Bruno was really disappointing 😞
wuuadimrsu
0
Bruno is disappointing so far,rashford was better
If Bruno was Disappoint...whom One Can Replace Him Boss??
254_ken1GB
1
I think it should be licha, yoro & de light at the back
Soyelst
2
But referee was too soft with yellow cards against Manchester United. It was too much
Maubcptuyz
6
Bruno is disappointing so far,rashford was better
katlmntyz
0
how
loddinprsz
2
..Bruno and rashford to come in as subs 75minutes of game. not to start. they failed to put team into form,
Leabcklps
1
kudos to those guys ✋
Heikal_Mahsir
1
ggmu