Tactical exposure
Tactically, Lisandro Martinez has often found himself exposed this season.
One major reason for this is the tactical system Erik ten Hag has been using, particularly with Diogo Dalot inverting from full-back.
Inverting full-backs are designed to tuck into midfield, offering more control and helping in possession.
While this system benefits United’s attack, it leaves the defence vulnerable – particularly on the side of Martinez.
As Dalot inverts, Martinez is often left with more space to cover on his left, and opposition teams have been exploiting this gap.
Against Porto, this was evident when he struggled to track runners coming in from wide areas.
Porto’s attackers repeatedly found joy on his side, and with Dalot pushing higher up the pitch, Martinez was often isolated, forced to deal with attackers one-on-one without much support.
His partnership with Matthijs de Ligt hasn’t fully gelled either, as de Ligt, though solid in his own right, is still adjusting to United’s system.
Martinez thrives in a compact defensive unit, but when the structure breaks down due to United’s expansive tactics, his weaknesses get exposed.
This tactical issue isn’t entirely on Martinez, but it has certainly contributed to his struggles.
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