100% aerial duels, 5 final third passes, 3 recoveries: United star poses intriguing dilemma for Amorim with top display in loss to Villa

Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez produced a fine performance in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, potentially leaving Ruben Amorim with plenty to think about moving forward. United beaten by Villa United began as the dominant side, controlling the tempo and carving out opportunities as they aimed for an early breakthrough. Both Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha were presented with promising chances, but found their efforts denied by Emi Martinez. However, it was Villa who took the lead at the stroke of half-time, with Morgan Rogers cutting inside from the left and curling the ball into the top corner. United didn’t stay behind for long. Patrick Dorgu dispossessed Matty Cash brilliantly before slipping the ball to Cunha, who finished with precision, firing it well beyond the reach of Martinez. The Red Devils were dealt a disastrous blow when Fernandes pulled up an injury and had to be taken off during the break. The skipper was replaced by Lisandro Martinez, who assumed a midfield position next to Manuel Ugarte. Villa restored their advantage in the 57th minute when Rogers took advantage of some pitiful defending from United yet again. Cunha nearly made it 2-2 when he connected with Dorgu’s outstanding delivery but he couldn’t supply the finishing touch. There were debuts for Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey but United eventually had to settle for defeat at Villa Park. Martinez was one of the few positives for United, producing a stellar performance in a largely unfamiliar role in the middle of the park. Martinez stuns in midfield During the 45 minutes he was on the pitch, Martinez won 100% of the aerial duels he vied – an impressive feat considering he was up against Villa’s physical midfield trio of Amadou Onana, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans. Martinez touched the ball 38 times and managed to find his teammates with 29 of the 32 passes he attempted. Five of these passes were delivered into the final third. The World Cup winner made three recoveries. StatValue Aerial duels won100% Total touches38 Passes attempted32 Passes completed29 Passes into final third5 Ball recoveries3 Shots1 Lisandro Martinez in central midfield (45 minutes): 100% aerial duels won38 total touches 32 passes attempted 29 passes completed 5 passes into the final third 3 ball recoveries 1 shot An option moving forward? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Ye0lEIkK4j — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 21, 2025 He had a crack at goal but his powerful shot just dragged wide. Should Fernandes face a spell on the sidelines, Martínez presents himself as a ready-made midfield alternative for Amorim. He has the technical ability and game intelligence to slot in and do an important job. Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!