Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have raised alarms ahead of the Premier League derby against Manchester City, pointing out United’s defence as vulnerable to Erling Haaland. Both former players highlighted that City’s striker will likely target Lisandro Martinez, putting the Argentine World Cup winner under intense pressure.
Interim manager Michael Carrick faces a testing first game at Old Trafford as he sticks to the same back four used in recent matches, including a 2-2 draw with Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup loss to Brighton. Scholes warned of Haaland’s power and goal-scoring prowess, while Butt noted United’s lack of pace and counter-attacking threat compared to previous campaigns.
The duo expressed concern that Martinez alone may struggle to contain Haaland, who has already scored 20 league goals this season, describing the Norwegian as “powerful” and “ridiculous.” United fans will watch closely as Carrick attempts to find solutions to thwart City’s dominant striker and secure a positive derby result.
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