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.
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.
Mieelmptuz
1
poul your generation is gone. New generation New players And New tecknic. I don't understand. the knowledge of modern players.
Vicsammy
0
But Maguire is poor in all
Javimor
0
Even when he’s doing well u still want to talk about his weakness
bolaji99
1
I think Paul Scholes is crazy aswear, maguire with 2 season at united with bad form they never said anything about him, useless pundit
Veobclprty
7
Go and criticize your country man maguire and take your mouth from senior player martinez
kbsarpong
1
I don't think Paul Scholes want the progress of Manchester united. I believe he has cast a spell on them but in Jesus Name, Insha Allah, they will rise again.
Zocairsz
1
How many times has he snatched the ball from the opponent when it comes to one on one defending i dont understand which martinez scholes is talking about
Ameh23
1
You talk too much Abino
puubcilpu
2
Mr you love to talk
Hotmas
1
this Paul scores is too short that he's always short of sensible words
IbrahNazc
1
Always want to market your report
biycdlpsu
1
he is the best so f**ck off scholes
Lord_B
1
so maguire is better at one v one than Martinez...okay 👌
Leokeat
3
Just wait a little bit, these English pundits will start saying his weakness is his hair cut, his jersey or that he doesn’t speak proper English, I never seen Martinez beaten one v one since his arrival I don’t know where Scholes pull that out off. But English, we are used to them now 😂😂😂
Vatabcemsy
1
he always he dont like the guy cause he better than english defenders
Winziboy7
2
I've not seen any beats Martinez one on one since he came. He won't even let you pass with the ball. It's either he collects it or spoil it for you.
jrkakacaleb17
3
England pundits and weed🚬🚬😹
jezabdnpyz
1
SHUT IT UP‼️‼️‼️
Fakacdklpu
1
He will keep proving y'all wrong
Fadbekmnpz
1
k after one on one then on scoring
hizaclprsy
2
first his hight now one-one-o e abilities??? Y'all pundit should just shut the eff out