Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts with the label Defender

Tyrell Malacia

Tyrell Malacia was signed from Dutch club Feyenoord for £15M and became Erik Ten Hag's 1st signing. Many were annoyed by this move because it didn’t really address a problem position or an area where there was a significant need. This was particularly compounded by the fact that United had one of their worst ever seasons and there were more pressing needs and positions that required replacing. At the time Malacia was signed, the club already had Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, and Brandon Williams as left back options. While it is obvious that Malacia is better than the latter two, it remains to be seen whether he can replace Luke Shaw. At the surface, this could be viewed as a depth signing. However, we are in dire need of upgrading the first team. After watching preseason and understanding a little bit more of Malacia's game, it became apparent that he might not be that bad a signing. Ten Hag was a known admirer of Malacia after his dominant performance against Ajax last season. Part...

Lisandro Martinez

After protracted negotiations with Ajax, Manchester United were successful in securing a £60M move for Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine center back, known as the "butcher of Amsterdam" is known for his tenacity, aggression, and composure at the back. He is a left footed CB which United do not currently possess. Having a left footed centre back in your side is crucial for opening passing angles and lanes that you would typically struggle to do with a right footed CB playing LCB.  A lot has been said about Martinez's height or lack there of. Many people question whether he can deal with the physicality of the Premier League and especially some of the tall target men a lot of sides employ. In certain situations like set pieces and balls over the top he can be targeted, and in the right situation, exploited. However, Martinez's football IQ and reading of the game allows him to proactively avoid isolation in such situations. He is aggressive in his pressing and closing dow...