EPL: ‘Haaland will target him’ – Scholes, Nicky Butt names player that could cause Man United defeat

Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who both played for Manchester United, have agreed that the club does not have the defence to stop Erling Haaland when they play Manchester City on Saturday.

They said that Haaland will try to target Man United defender, Lisandro Martinez.

The newly named temporary manager, Michael Carrick, is preparing for a challenging match in his first game as his team welcomes City to Old Trafford for Saturday’s noon kick-off.

For the derby game against City, Carrick is likely to keep the same four defenders at the back, the same setup Darren Fletcher used in the 2-2 draw with Burnley and also in the 2-1 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Martinez played in both of those games, but Scholes is worried that Haaland, who has already scored 20 goals in the Premier League this season, will dominate the Argentine World Cup winner.

Nicky Butt said on The Good, The Bad and The Football: “I always liked the way they [Man United] played against them[City], especially when they used to counterattack with Rashford up front and his speed.

“They don’t have that same kind of pace now. I don’t think we’re moving fast enough up front to counter-attack.”

Haaland’s danger was discussed and Scholes asked, “Who do we have to stop him?”

Butt responded, “Do you think they’ll bring in Harry [Maguire] right away?”

“They’re going to have to, aren’t they? But if Haaland plays against Martinez…

Scholes said, “There’s a good chance he’ll target Martinez, of course he will.”

Butt said, “Fairly speaking, no one can deal with him [Haaland]. He’s that good, that powerful, he’s just ridiculous.”