‘It’s criminal’: Lisandro Martinez blasted for what he did in Manchester United’s 7-0 hammering at Anfield
Paul Scholes attributed Manchester United’s conceding of Liverpool’s first goal on Sunday to the actions of their centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who he claims blocked David de Gea’s view.
Scholes criticized Martinez’s defending in the build-up to the goal, calling it ‘criminal’. The game saw Liverpool score six goals in the second half, resulting in their largest-ever victory over their rivals.
The goal in question came in the first period, with Cody Gakpo finding the back of the net with an impressive shot after receiving a well-placed pass from Andy Robertson.
Despite being one of the Premier League’s standout defenders this season, Martinez was part of Manchester United’s humiliating defeat at Anfield.
According to Scholes, Martinez’s positioning was incorrect when Gakpo scored, with the defender running across his six-yard line in an attempt to block the shot.
This move resulted in blocking De Gea’s view of the ball, which Scholes believes would have frustrated the goalkeeper.
“I certainly don’t think it helps De Gea,’ said Scholes at half-time as per the Metro.
“I don’t think he’s quite in line at the point it’s kicked but David can also think the ball might hit him.
“But when he [Gakpo] does hit it, he has gone right past him.
“You see David’s reaction there towards Martinez, he doesn’t quite have a go at him, but I think he should do.
“I think it happened a couple of times, once before with Robertson where he ended up clearing it off the line, he’s going far too deep, he should be getting up the pitch, can he stop the shot or have an effect on the shot rather than get in the keeper’s way.
“He needs to trust his goalkeeper. This is a top goalkeeper we’re talking about, do not get in his way. If anybody gets in the goalkeeper’s way it’s criminal.”
Scholes appeared dissatisfied with Manchester United’s performance, as Liverpool outplayed them and brought back memories of their struggles from the previous season.
The Red Devils manager, Erik ten Hag, criticized his players for behaving unprofessionally and losing control in their match against Liverpool, making it a humiliating afternoon for the team’s fans.
With Real Betis visiting Old Trafford for a Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday, ten Hag will try to regain some of the momentum they have built this season and hope that Sunday’s defeat was only a temporary setback.
‘It’s criminal’: Lisandro Martinez blasted for what he did in Manchester United’s 7-0 hammering at Anfield
