Manchester United’s World Cup watch ended on a brutal note as Lisandro Martinez came off with a serious-looking injury.
In the first half of Argentina’s 0-1 loss against Spain, Lisandro Martinez went to the ground and immediately signalled to come off, a huge blow for Man Utd.
Martinez was in the form of his life, and Man Utd fans were excited to have him back fit and firing.
As it turns out, his injury has now put a new spin on Carrick’s unusual use of a wonderkid vs Wrexham.
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Lisandro Martinez’s injury opens unusual Jacob Devaney path
Martinez’s form for Argentina was great, but nobody was getting carried away long-term, because his injury record is simply too unreliable.
With the squad needing reinforcements at various other positions, Michael Carrick needed to find a new way to increase his defensive ranks.
Against Wrexham, he did so by deploying Jacob Devaney, a natural defensive midfielder, at centre-back.
Devaney did well alongside another breakout contender, Dan Armer, but the former has the edge due to a successful loan spell last season at St Mirren.
With Martinez injured now, and De Ligt’s recovery taking an era, United suddenly look a bit thin in defence, which is why Carrick’s use of Devaney is interesting.
He wanted to give him minutes against Wrexham, but with the midfield spots occupied, he chose to challenge Devaney in a new position.
Having passed that test with flying colours, combined with Martinez’s injury, an unexpected opening in the first team has opened up for Devaney.
Devaney’s versatility saves him from midfield dogfight
For Devaney, this versatility will pay off to increase his first-team prospects, because there’s an intense dogfight happening for the midfield spots.
What did you think of Jacob Devaney’s performance vs Wrexham?
Can you see Michael Carrick giving him a serious chance this season?
Dan Gore shone against Wrexham, Toby Collyer is the experienced option, Tyler Fletcher captained the side in the second half, while Jim Thwaites didn’t even get a look in.
That’s without mentioning Jack Fletcher and Mason Mount, who are both seen as versatile options for the defensive and attacking midfield.
In such a crowded position, Devaney’s ability to play as a centre-back and look comfortable sets him apart.
United’s defensive ranks are full of uncertainty, so Devaney showcasing himself as a useful and versatile role player is a great skill to get a foot in the door.
Martinez’s injury has opened that door a little more than it already was.
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