Manchester United legend SLAMS Lisandro Martinez for role in Brighton defeat

Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2023 in Manchester, England.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Peter Schmeichel has laid into Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez for 'trying to be a hero' in Saturday's defeat to Brighton.

United suffered their third loss of the season as the Seagulls ran out 3-1 winners at Old Trafford, and Schmeichel was not impressed with what he saw from Martinez.

After the game, the legendary former Man United goalkeeper criticised the Argentine's decision-making.

Peter Schmeichel is seen during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail, Qatar.

Peter Schmeichel has expressed concerns about 'individuality' at Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)

Analysing the match, Schmeichel told Premier League Productions: "It is kind of what happens at Manchester United at the minute; it is very individual. Players, for instance, Martinez here, are trying to be a hero and get in and block. People know this. If we look at him there, he puts himself in a position directly in the line of the goalkeeper.

"He should be closing down rather than just standing up trying to block. If you want to block, don’t turn your body; stand tall. Clearly, things aren’t right for Manchester United."

Why Erik ten Hag's Man United isn't working (YET)

United have taken just six points from a possible 15 in the Premier League so far this term, making it their worst start to a league campaign since 2014 – when they collected six points from their opening five games under Louis van Gaal.

Erik ten Hag's side have also been beaten by Arsenal and Tottenham, triumphing over Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

And things aren't about to get any easier for the Red Devils: they kick off their Champions League campaign with a trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

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Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...