Lisandro Martinez backed for new role at Man United after what pundit has seen
Gabriel Agbonlahor has concerns over Lisandro Martinez’s physicality at Man United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker said Martinez could struggle against “more physical” attackers.
The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes for the Red Devils against Liverpool on Monday (22 August).
The centre-back helped his side secure a 2-1 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s side.
On 27 July the club confirmed the signing of the Argentina international from Ajax.
Martinez put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford that includes the option of a further year.
Agbonlahor said one good game is not enough to judge a player’s ability.
“I thought he was very good, aggressive, he set the tempo but no one is going to question him on his passing,” he told Football Insider.
“I’ve seen clips of him at Ajax, he’s a great player, he’s good at passing the ball he can read the game well. But it’s about his speed and his physicality. We saw for the Ben Mee goal [against Brentford] he got outjumped.
“He did very well against Liverpool but I wouldn’t go off that game. I want to see him in a game where there’s a more physical striker and see how he does. But, I do like his aggression, even the way he bumped into [Mohamed] Salah. He doesn’t care who it is he’s going to be aggressive and I think he’ll be ok for Man United.
“There might be some games where [Erik] Ten Hag feels he’ll do five at the back and play him on the left side of the three if it’s against a team with a stronger forward like Man City.“
In other news, a pundit has claimed Luke Shaw faces extended spell out of Man United XI after latest.