Rio Ferdinand has noticed how Lisandro Martinez is helping his Manchester United teammates amid multiple changes made by Michael Carrick.
It doesn’t look like Michael Carrick is conducting any rocket science at Manchester United, even though the results have drastically improved. That doesn’t take anything away from the tremendous job being carried out by the 44-year-old club legend.
The biggest changes include United starting games with a back four as opposed to three centre-backs and two wing-backs. There is now more balance in midfield with Casemiro partnered by Kobbie Mainoo, while Bruno Fernandes plays his preferred role as a No.10.
These changes have led to a four-game win streak since Carrick was made head coach until the end of the current campaign. However, the improved results have led to conversations over whether he deserves the job beyond this season.
There is still a lot of football to play, so Carrick and his players need to keep their eye on the ball and back up their recent run of results by winning more football matches. It’s the only way they are going to secure Champions League football for next season.
Rio Ferdinand impressed by Lisandro Martinez’s ‘bravery’
United have kept two clean sheets in four games since Carrick took charge of the team.
It helps that Carrick has quickly settled on his preferred back four, with the four players in question yet to give him any reasons to make a change.
United will be hoping for another clean sheet and three points when they travel to West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday night.
Speaking ahead of the match, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has sung the praises of Lisandro Martinez, who has been magnificent alongside Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
Ferdinand pointed out how the midfielders can rely on Martinez to get the ball forward with his range of passing. He also praised the Argentine’s bravery when it comes to taking big risks to find the right pass.
“Martinez, his passing, the way he draws the forwards onto him to get really close, there’s a bravery in that,” Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“There’s a bravery in taking the ball; there’s big risks with the distance he allows between him and the forward. Why he does that is he passes beyond that striker and that striker can’t react and make a difference in the next phase of play.”
He added: “He wants to make a difference in the play. Most centre-halves the midfielders will come and get the ball off them. Man United midfielders are like ‘he’s good enough on the ball, we’ll move around away from him, because he’ll find us somewhere to impact the game.’
“It’s interesting to see and long may that continue.”
Lisandro Martinez record against West Ham
Martinez has beaten West Ham three times since joining United in 2022.
However, he was on the receiving end of a defeat on one occasion, losing 2-1 against the Hammers in 2024.
In five meetings against West Ham, with Martinez in the team, United have conceded just three goals.
United recorded two clean sheets in those matches.
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