Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has shifted the blame away from strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee for their lack of goals this season, placing some of the “responsibility” for the pair’s struggles on himself and others across the squad.
Hojlund has only scored once in his last 14 appearances in the Premier League. For Zirkzee, his brace against Everton on December 1 was his only goal in the competition since his heroic debut in August. Between them they have five league goals in 41 combined games.
United’s winning goal against Fulham on Sunday was scored by Martinezwho began to thrive in an attacking sense due to Ruben Amorim’s system that allowed him the freedom to thrive.
But the Argentine admitted United Midfielders, wingers and defenders have to be better than their attackers, although it can’t be a one-way street either.
“Absolutely, we take responsibility. I think we played a lot of long balls until [Hojlund and Zirkzee]And it must be difficult for them, especially because they are fighting against two centers. Center backs here in the Premier League are really tough,” Martinez told reporters.
“[Hojlund and Zirkzee] They have to do better. They are really good players, but I think we have to continue [to do] More and put them in better areas on the field. We have to find them in the right places, the dangerous places, in order to achieve the results. “
Hojlund has fared much better in European competition this season, scoring five in seven Europa League appearances. It was a similar pattern for Dane in Europe last season, scoring five times in the Champions League before netting once in Premier League.
Hojlund scored 16 times in all competitions for United in 2023/24, while Zirkzee bagged 12 – as well as seven assists – for former club Bologna across Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
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