Chris Sutton believes Manchester United suffered tremendously as a result of Lisandro Martinez’s harm issues final season, tipping the Argentine defender to make a distinction this marketing campaign.
Martinez joined the Purple Devils from Ajax in the summertime of 2022 and performed 45 video games throughout all competitions in his first season on the membership, lifting the EFL Cup alongside the way in which.
Nevertheless, the 23-time Argentina worldwide suffered tremendously with foot, knee and calf accidents all through 2023/24, limiting him to simply 14 outings and 648 Premier League minutes.
Martinez made a well timed return to assist United win their final two Premier League video games of the season, whereas he began because the Purple Devils shocked rivals Manchester Metropolis within the FA Cup remaining.
Sutton: Martinez can be key for Man Utd
Martinez performed the complete 90 minutes in Man Utd’s 1-0 win over Fulham to open the brand new Premier League season final Friday.
The 26-year-old put in a wonderful efficiency that noticed him make three tackles, three interceptions, two clearances and two recoveries, whereas finishing 54 of his 61 tried passes.
It was the kind of efficiency that reminded Man Utd followers simply what they have been lacking for giant stretches of final season and sufficient to persuade ex-Blackburn, Chelsea and Celtic striker Sutton that he could make a distinction this 12 months.
“Getting off to a successful begin within the Premier League was necessary for Erik ten Hag, albeit Manchester United didn’t hit the heights they’re perhaps able to,” Sutton wrote in his Premier League predictions column for BBC Sport.
He added: “Lisandro Martinez goes to be the important thing for them this season. I do know all people talks about attacking gamers, however they missed him for giant components of final season and he provides them a little bit of metal on the again.”
Sutton predicted a 1-1 draw for United this weekend in opposition to Brighton, citing the Seagulls’ spectacular 3-0 win at Everton final week as inspiration for taking a shock level in opposition to the Purple Devils.
“I predicted Brighton to lose at Everton and so they received simply in the long run. They like a left-field appointment and Fabian Hurzeler has made a extremely good begin,” Sutton continued.
“It’s all the time necessary to get that first win beneath your belt as a brand new supervisor to get that perception that your message is getting throughout.”
