Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has sharply criticised Lisandro Martinez, expressing dissatisfaction with the Argentine's numerous defensive errors.
In the recent match against Chelsea, which ended 0-2, Martinez received a red card and, according to Neville, was largely responsible for Morgan Rogers' first goal. The defender had previously publicly complained about technical director Jason Wilcox regarding the squad's lack of depth.
Neville stated on Sky Sports that Martinez should be ashamed of his performances and public statements.
This is what I expect from him; this is what I see. We have to respect the fact that he is a World Cup winner, but every time I watch him at Manchester United, he is responsible for a goal. Yesterday, he was responsible for two. The first goal is entirely on him. The midfield could have played better, but Harry Maguire should have covered Estevao’s run, and he should have just shifted over. I think he assumed Morgan Rogers would take the ball onto his right foot, so he waits for him and hesitates a bit, and Rogers just goes straight between them. If I were conceding as many goals as he is, I wouldn’t be doing interviews. I would curl up in a ball if I played like that for Manchester United. We all make mistakes as defenders, but the number of goals he is conceding is staggering. This defence is nowhere near good enough, and it collapses every time it is put under pressure.
Currently, the Manchester United side sits 17th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone. Neville commented on the possibility of the club being relegated.
I don’t think it has come to that stage. Clearly, given where they are now, that needs to be mentioned, but I don’t think they will get relegated. But it is concerning. This is a real drop in form. A decline in their performance. Yesterday, the first half was a little better, but it is still nowhere near good enough — a football match lasts 90 minutes. They have tough games ahead, and any organised team with a couple of combinations will cause problems for Manchester United. That is genuinely worrying.
