Aheed Abrar
Jamie Carragher admits he was wrong to think Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez could not cope in Premier League
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher admits he was wrong in thinking that Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez could not cope in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old made his way to the Red Devils in the summer of 2022 from Ajax. However, there were concerns that the physicality would be overwhelming for the relatively short centre-back.
However, the Argentina international has proved everyone wrong. Since the losses in the opening games of the season, the defender has hardly put a foot wrong for the Old Trafford side.
Carragher, who was a defender and spent his entire career at the Merseyside outfit, was ‘convinced’ that Martinez would not be able to make it in the English top flight after the 4-0 loss to Brentford.
However, speaking on The Overlap Live Fan Debate (h/t Express), the Sky Sports pundit admitted he was wrong about the 25-year-old’s prospects in England.
“I think he’s been brilliant. To be that small and play at centre-back, you’ve obviously got to be a special player, a good player.
“I didn’t think someone of that size could cope in the Premier League, and he has coped. I think he’s been brilliant. I think he’s been a big part of [United’s spirit].”
The Argentina international has not only had a fruitful spell in Manchester, but he also got his hands on the World Cup. In Qatar, while the centre-back was not Lionel Scaloni’s first choice, he had some influential moments.
Martinez has been ever-present in Erik ten Hag’s plans at United. The 25-year-old has formed a solid partnership with Raphael Varane at the Old Trafford side.
In the current campaign, the Argentine national has made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils. The centre-back scored his one and only goal for the Manchester-based club in the 3-2 loss to Arsenal in the PL.
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Martinez has proved most of his critics wrong. The 25-year-old’s aggression and tenacity have made him an instant favourite at United. Hopefully, the Argentine will be able to continue his fine form for many years to come.
