Manchester United and Lisandro Martinez must heed Pep Guardiola warning vs Southampton

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Manchester United appeared to turn a corner with their statement win over Liverpool on Monday night. Erik ten Hag brought fresh hope when he was appointed permanent successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the summer.

However, back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford threatened to derail that optimism before Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford made their mark beneath the famous Old Trafford lights.

Lisandro Martinez also caught the eye with an uncompromising display. It has not been a plain sailing start to life at United for the Argentina international and worries over his stature proved to be fair during those eye-catching reverses against Brighton and Brentford. READ MORE: Four things spotted in training With their free-flowing attacking mindset, Liverpool presented Martinez with a challenge he is comfortable with as possible frailties prepare to come under the microscope once again at St Mary's, as United prepare to face Southampton and the not-so-secret weapon they have at their disposal.

Renowned as a dead-ball specialist, James Ward-Prowse will be a potent and trusted supply line for the Saints on Saturday lunchtime.