‘He is essential!’ – Alan Smith names the player who can rescue top four finish for Manchester United | 9SBH9X0 | 2024-03-30 16:08:01
'He is essential!' – Alan Smith names the player who can rescue top four finish for Manchester United | 9SBH9X0 | 2024-03-30 16:08:01
Former Manchester United star Alan Smith believes the return of Lisandro Martinez will carry Erik ten Hag's aspect again into the race for Champions League qualification.
Martinez loved an outstanding first season in Manchester following his arrival from Ajax in 2022 but has been limited to only 10 starting appearances this term.
The centre-half was sidelined in September after suffering a recurrence of a foot injury, requiring surgery for a second time in the space of six months. He returned to motion in January but just 4 video games later, he was sidelined as soon as once more after suffering a knee damage in the victory over West Ham United in early February.
Martinez is targeting a return against Brentford on Saturday with United needing to hit the bottom operating following the international break to stand an opportunity of closing the hole on the highest 5.
Aston Villa and Tottenham presently sit in fourth and fifth spot, nine and six points forward of United respectively.
While his previous aspect have their work minimize out, former United striker Smith believes the return of Martinez might have a transformative impact on the squad and provides them their greatest probability of qualifying for the Champions League subsequent season.
Requested if Martinez's return can raise United back into Champions League qualification, Smith informed Metro.co.uk by way of Casinoservice: 'Undoubtedly. He's an important part of the staff, and he's left-sided which has been a huge loss for them this yr.
'Almost all of the left-sided players have been decimated with damage, Luke Shaw's been out, Martinez, [Tyrell] Malacia. I do know that Ten Hag as a Dutch coach likes that stability, and you see unusual selections as managers just to see if you will get a left-footed or left-sided player within the group.
'I feel simply or giving the stability, makes it onerous when he's not within the group.
'Not solely is he a fantastic defender that appears like an actual good chief, but being left footed with so few left-sided choices would have an enormous influence on the group as nicely for the stability of the staff.'
United even have Mason Mount obtainable once again after an injury-hit first season at the club. The previous Chelsea midfielder has managed simply 13 appearances this season with only a single help to his identify however retains the backing of his manager with ten Hag insisting he will still have a key role to play.
Smith, who spent eight months on the sidelines after a horrific leg break enjoying towards Liverpool in 2006, sympathises with Mount, but admits proving you're ok 'is the toughest thing to do' when you might have suffered damage setbacks.
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'Obviously it has been a troublesome introduction, not only for himself, however at this second in time there was a variety of strain on the gamers that have been signed,' Smith stated.
'I don't know him personally or his traits, however he stored his head down and stored working to attempt to make an influence, after which had an damage which is troublesome for any player – particularly once you've signed somewhere and you need to fit in, do your greatest and prove to individuals that you simply're ok to be there.
'It's in all probability the toughest thing to do once you get a setback, and then to return again and show your value to individuals. In case you hit the bottom operating and you begin off properly, it's lots simpler to settle. I'm positive he himself gained't be expecting to only stroll again into the workforce.'
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