Lisando Martinez was hooked at half-time during Manchester United’s tepid 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Here’s why.
Raphael Varane’s second-half header secured an opening game win for United despite an unconvincing performance against an unfancied Wolves.
Indeed, Gary O’Neil’s men were the more dominant side at Old Trafford, but Matheus Cunha spurned a golden opportunity to put Wolves ahead early in the second half.
Moreover, while United debutant Andre Onana made several smart saves throughout the encounter, he clattered into Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic in stoppage time while failing to claim the ball. O’Neil was booked for his complaints as Wolves’ calls for a penalty fell on deaf ears.
One of the talking points from the game was around Martinez, with the Argentina international having been substituted at halftime.
The 25-year-old had been booked after a strong challenge in the first period, and it was speculated he may have been hooked at the break to avoid picking up another caution.
However, match-winner Varane explained to the BBC that an injury had led to the 25-year-old being withdrawn.
According to Varane, Martinez was substituted at the break due to an ankle problem.
The Frenchman explained: “A little problem on his ankle, tendon.
“We’ll see but I don’t think it’s a big deal. We’ll see how he is this week.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag did not provide an update on Martinez in his post-match press conference which also suggests the injury concern could be a minor.
On the performance, however, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “It was a tough game.
“We can do a lot of things better but also I see a lot of positive things. I saw six or seven good high-ball regains and then we have to take more from the turnovers. In a low block, we defended for our lives and we survived it.
“You have to find the foundation of the season and collect points. If we want to keep collecting points we will have to play better than we did today. But there were positives, the defensive organisation, the clean sheet and the mentality. We found a way to win.”
