‘They have to do better’ – Martinez blames Man Utd stars’ tactic for Hojlund and Zirkzee struggles but sends warning
‘They have to do better’ – Martinez blames Man Utd stars’ tactic for Hojlund and Zirkzee struggles but sends warning
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LISANDRO MARTINEZ claims Manchester United have to stop playing long balls to the strikers. The United defender admits that the team have to do more to help forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee who are both struggling up front for Ruben Amorim’s side.
![[Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United during a Premier League match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pedro-soares-spp-alamy-live-966943025.jpg?strip=all&w=768)
Martinez, who scored the winner in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Fulham to ease the pressure on Amorim, accepted that the service to Hojlund and Zirkzee has been poor. He said: “We take the responsibility. "I think we played many long balls to them [against Fulham] and for them it was really tough.
![[Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund and a teammate celebrating.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-manchester-uniteds-rasmus-hojlund-966111516.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"They fight against two centre-backs and the centre-backs here in the Premier League are really difficult if you are trying to win the ball. "But they have to do better as well. They are really good players but we have to contribute more and put them in better space or places on the pitch.
"We have to find them in the right places and dangerous places to make them score.". Hojlund, on target seven times this season, has failed to score in his last 11 matches. Zirkzee has only four goals following his summer move from Bologna. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS.
But United are now preparing for Thursday’s Europa League game against FCSB in Romania looking for a third successive win under Amorim. Martinez added: "We have to keep this momentum for sure. "It’s an amazing feeling when you win, but we have to be humble.".
