Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United's defeat to ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur was the latest in what seems to be a catalogue of humiliating events for the club in the past year.
In front of 72,000 supporters, United lost to a second half goal from Maung Maung Lwin. The result means very little, a post-season friendly has little riding on it, but the pure manner of another defeat has opened up Ruben Amorim's men to more repartee.
As social media is the way that it is, any amusing moments are highlighted. The open-top bus which included a number of United players in Malaysia created the opportunity for rival fans to poke fun at the club. During the game, it was Rasmus Hojlund who was the subject of jibes.
Much has been made of the striker's form this season. The 22-year-old scored just 10 goals for United, with the club looking to strengthen that department this summer and the young forward could be allowed to leave.
On Wednesday, Hojlund started and offered an opportunity to gain some sort of confidence. However, he failed to score and came away from the friendly with some criticism. In the 24th minute, a piece of play summed-up his struggles.
As United cleared the ball, Hojlund collected it and attempted to play, what should have been, a simple lay-off. Instead, it was wayward and the All-Stars launched another attack. Whilst his finishing has been a topic of conversation, his ability to aid United in transition hasn't been good enough.
Viktor Gyokeres helped Sporting CP to a domestic double (Image: Getty Images)
A new striker is expected to be signed this summer to not only score goals and increase the output in front of goal, but also improve United's overall play. If Amorim wants success, a proper number nine would give them the best chance.
Rewind to 12 months ago after United beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo saved Erik ten Hag's job and gave United bragging rights over their city rivals.
After watching his side lose, Pep Guardiola handed praise to Lisandro Martinez, suggesting he "made the difference". The defender started alongside Raphael Varane in defence and succeeded in keeping Erling Haaland quiet.
However, it was the Argentine's ball-playing qualities that Guardiola was envious of. Martinez completed 90% of his 20 passes and the City boss handed the United defender a big compliment. "Lisandro Martinez is top five centre-backs in the world," he said. "He made the difference on this game by playing passes through our defence."
A centre-forward, like Liam Delap or Viktor Gyokeres, would give Martinez a target to aim for with his line-breaking passes. Whilst goals are the priority from Amorim's new forward, signing a player with the ability to receive the ball on the spin and spearhead counters could really elevate the Portuguese's system next season.
After Matheus Cunha arrives from Wolves, the next signing in Amorim's dream scenario is a striker. It's over to Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada to supply United with that.
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