Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has called on Red Devils strikers to find scoring form despite admitting that there is a 'long ball' problem.
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Martinez admits problem with long ballsUrges Man Utd strikers to do better Hojlund and Zirkzee struggling to find goalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United are struggling to find goals this season with strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to find form despite Ruben Amorim's hyper-offensive shape. The Danish striker has found the back of the net seven times in all competitions but has failed to score in the Red Devils' last 11 matches. The Dutch, on the other hand, has only scored four goals but hasn't scored in the Premier League since the start of December.
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Manchester United managed to gain an important win against Fulham on Sunday evening as Martinez scored the lone goal at Craven Cottage. It was clear during the match that Amorim has insisted that his defenders try and find the strikers in behind with long balls, which they ultimately have failed to do. The Argentine defender has now opened up on the same as he urged Hojlund and Zirkzee to find their goalscoring form.
GettyWHAT MARTINEZ SAID
Speaking to the media, Martinez said: “We take the responsibility. I think we played many long balls to them [against Fulham] and for them it was really tough.
"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."
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
Despite their struggles in the Premier League, Manchester United have secured their passage into the Europa League's knockout phase. With even a draw against Steaua Bucuresti on Thursday, January 30, they will secure a top-eight finish. However, Martinez hopes that the Red Devils will secure their third straight win in Romania.
Martinez added: "We have to keep this momentum for sure. It’s an amazing feeling when you win, but we have to be humble."