Soccer / football team

Lisandro Martinez Benched in Recent Matches Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has found himself on the bench for both club and country in his last three matches. Martinez entered as a second-half substitute during Argentina's 1-1 draw against Bolivia on Wednesday, following his initial role as a bench player in the international match against Venezuela.. His recent benching has sparked discussions about his form and fitness, as his role in Manchester United's lineup has shifted this season. David de Gea's Public Show of Support Following these recent events, former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea extended a message of encouragement to his former teammate. After Martinez shared two Instagram photos—one in a focused stance and another in a more laid-back setting—De Gea commented in Spanish, translating to "Good looking," along with a sunglasses emoji. De Gea’s gesture underscores the strong camaraderie the pair developed during their 2022/23 season together at Old Trafford. Martinez’s First-Year Success at United Martinez delivered an outstanding debut season at Manchester United following his move from Ajax.. His defensive prowess helped the team secure the Carabao Cup, and he played a crucial role across all competitions, amassing 45 appearances. His solid performances quickly established him as a key figure in United’s backline during the 2022/23 season. Challenges in the Second Season However, Martinez's second season has been more difficult. A series of injuries and fitness setbacks have curtailed his participation, yet he still played a vital role in United’s FA Cup triumph in June. Although he started every one of United's first six Premier League matches this season, he found himself relegated to the bench for the encounter against Aston Villa prior to the international break, indicating a potential decline in form or ongoing recovery issues. Manchester United's Rocky Start to the Season Manchester United has faced significant challenges in the opening phase of this season, securing only three victories from their first 10 matches. Erik ten Hag's team began the campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Fulham, only to suffer consecutive defeats to Brighton and Liverpool shortly thereafter. While victories over Southampton and Barnsley offered a glimmer of hope, the team has since struggled to clinch a win in their last five encounters. Ten Hag Takes Positives from Villa Draw In their most recent match, a goalless draw against Aston Villa, manager Erik ten Hag highlighted some positive aspects, notably the defensive solidity displayed by his team. "This marks our fourth clean sheet of the season, which speaks volumes about the control we maintain both with and without the ball," Ten Hag remarked. While acknowledging the lack of scoring opportunities, he pointed to key moments from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes as signs of potential improvement. Additionally, Ten Hag praised the defense, particularly Diogo Dalot's crucial block in the closing stages of the match. He emphasized that strong defensive organization, coupled with a stroke of luck, played a crucial role in achieving the clean sheet. As United seeks to regain form and consistency, the return of key players like Martinez to the starting lineup could prove vital in reversing their fortunes in the coming weeks BSP-Profits and EarnUp.