Chris Sutton names surprise player Manchester United ‘missed’ most last season

Chris Sutton believes Manchester United suffered badly from Lisandro Martinez’s injury problems last season, and believes the Argentine defender will be the difference maker this season.

Martinez joined the Red Devils from Ajax in the summer of 2022 and made 45 appearances in all competitions in his first season at the club, lifting the EFL Cup in the process.

However, the 23-times capped Argentina international has struggled with foot, knee and calf injuries throughout the 2023/24 season, limiting him to just 14 Premier League outings and 648 minutes.

Martinez made a timely return to help United win their final two Premier League games of the season, while he started as the Red Devils shocked rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Sutton: Martinez will be key to Manchester United

Martinez played the full 90 minutes of Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Fulham to open the new Premier League season last Friday.

The 26-year-old put in an excellent performance in which he made three tackles, three interceptions, two clearances and two recoveries, whilst completing 54 of his 61 attempted passes.

It was the kind of performance that reminded Manchester United fans of what they were missing for long periods of last season and was enough to convince former Blackburn, Chelsea and Celtic striker Sutton that he could make the difference this year.

“Getting off to a good start in the Premier League was important for Erik ten Hag, even if Manchester United haven’t reached the heights they are perhaps capable of,” Sutton wrote in his Premier League predictions column for BBC Sport.

He added: “Lisandro Martinez is going to be key for them this season. I know everyone talks about attacking players, but they missed him for a lot of last season and he gives them a bit of grit in defence.”

Sutton has predicted a 1-1 draw for United this weekend against Brighton, citing the Seagulls’ impressive 3-0 win at Everton last week as inspiration to take a surprise point against the Red Devils.

“I predicted Brighton would lose at Everton and they won easily in the end. They like left-sided players and Fabian Hurzeler made a very good start,” Sutton continued.

“It is always important to get your first win as a new manager to make sure your message has been received.”