Manchester United kicked off their 2022/23 Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Brighton at Old Trafford.
Gary Neville believes it’s too early to criticise any of the new signings after losing the first game of the Premier League season against Brighton.
Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez both started the game.
The latter played in a false nine, while Martinez slotted in alongside Harry Maguire at centre-back. The Dane did alright but I would prefer to see him in a deeper role, like we will see whenever Cristiano Ronaldo or Anthony Martial returns to the starting line-up.
Martinez also showed glimpses of brilliance, but he was fortunate to get away with barging into the back of Danny Welbeck as the Brighton striker went down inside the box. Thankfully, the referee ignored what looked like a foul.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said, as quoted by the Daily Mail: “It’s too early to judge new signings. Coming into a very difficult game and a very difficult situation.
“I thought Lisandro Martinez did some really good things but could have done better with the goal. He should have seen the run-off and it’s his goal that one.
“That’s his run but the reality is it’s his first game at Old Trafford in a new team, a struggling team so there’s no reflection on him.
“I don’t look at the manager or the new players here Christian Eriksen or Martinez and think they are the problem at all. They are brand new to it.”
Ten Hag will not only hope that his new signings have a greater impact in the upcoming games, but he will also demand more recruits before deadline day.
Rightly so!
