
Manchester United fans have turned their frustration toward Lisandro Martinez following the team’s disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Another Setback for United
The loss marked United’s sixth Premier League defeat this season, as Ruben Amorim’s side struggled defensively against Nuno Espírito Santo’s well-drilled Forest team.
The match began poorly for the Red Devils, with Nikola Milenković heading the visitors into the lead from a corner. Rasmus Højlund briefly lifted spirits with an equalizer, but United’s defensive frailties reemerged in the second half.
Morgan Gibbs-White restored Forest’s lead before Chris Wood’s looping header made it 3-1. Despite Bruno Fernandes pulling one back late on, United couldn’t mount a full comeback, leaving the Old Trafford faithful frustrated once again.
Martinez Under Fire
Lisandro Martinez bore the brunt of fans’ anger, with many blaming the Argentine for his role in two of Forest’s goals.
- During the opening goal, Martinez failed to challenge Milenković effectively on the set piece.
- For Chris Wood’s goal, the defender was caught out of position, allowing the ball to bypass him before looping over Andre Onana.
Fans voiced their displeasure on social media:
- “Martinez has to go. He’s so poor.”
- “Can’t believe Lisandro Martinez used to get compared to VVD and Saliba.”
- “Lisandro Martinez proving again why he is the worst defender when it comes to aerial coverage.”
Martinez’s Decline in Form
Martinez, a £57 million signing under Erik ten Hag in 2022, has made 77 appearances for United across all competitions. Once praised for his tenacity and ball-playing abilities, his recent performances have raised concerns about his consistency, particularly in aerial duels—a long-standing criticism.
United’s Season at a Crossroads
Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, Manchester United face mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes. With a daunting fixture against Manchester City up next, Amorim’s side must address their defensive lapses urgently to avoid further setbacks in an already disappointing campaign.
For Martinez, the upcoming matches will be crucial in proving his critics wrong and reclaiming his reputation as a reliable figure in United’s backline.
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