LISANDRO MARTINEZ got short shrift from Jamie Carragher when he joined Manchester United.
The ex-Liverpool defender thought it would be a tall order for a 5ft 9in defender to cut it in the Premier League.
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But after helping United to a dramatic 1-0 win over Fulham – and toppling man mountain Adama Traore in the process – Martinez, 26, had a chance to level the scores.
Joining the Sky Sports pundits following the game, Martinez revealed he always expected to be sized up after leaving Ajax but decided to be the bigger man.
Gary Neville asked him: “When you first came to the Premier League there were a lot of comments about you because of the physicality of this league, how have you found it?”
“You mean from,” replied Martinez as he pointed at Carragher.
The former Reds centre-back walked over to Martinez and admitted he was not as short as he thought in an awkward exchange before the Argentine defender continued.
He added: “As a player you are ready for everything, it is part of our job.
“If you play badly, especially at this club, then you are ready for criticism.
“I was ready for that, the first two games I did not play well but I took responsibility.”
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Carragher asked if Martinez was worried about the physicality of the English game and got a defiant response.
He declared: “I know that I’m not really tall, but I will win.”
Carragher and his fellow pundits could not help but be impressed by Martinez, who came across well in a language he is still learning.
In 2022, Carra insisted Neville was getting “carried away” with Martinez as he continued to cast doubt over the defender.
The defender came under fire from Carragher as he and his team-mates were torn apart by Brentford on the back of a loss at home to Brighton.
But Neville was curious as to whether his Sky Sports colleague had altered his view in light of the centre-back’s revival.
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Speaking on his podcast The Overlap, Neville said: “Have you changed your mind on Martinez, by the way?”
Carragher responded: “I think he’s a good player. I wouldn’t want a centre-back who was 5ft 9” in my team. I would not.
“We’ve had four games [of Martinez being in form]. You’re getting carried away. If [Martin] Odegaard scores the opening goal then you’ll be saying he made a mistake.
“But for a defender to be 5ft 9” and play, never mind in the Premier League, at any level of football, he’s got to be a good player. Because that is not normal.
“His passing is very good, he looks aggressive. He looks like a leader. He’s not a bad player, but to play at that level of football at 5ft 9″ – I wouldn’t want to play alongside someone who was 5ft 9″ as a centre back.”
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The pundit did concede that you can still be a great defender and not particularly tall as he cited greats such as Franco Baresi and Bobby Moore.
He added: “So for Martinez to play at this level, he’s obviously a good player. He has to be, because of his height. But at times, that will cost him.
“But if he is nine out of ten at everything else, it will compensate for being 5ft 9”.
“Because at times, if you are that height, you will get exposed as we saw in the first two games.”
Is that the smell of humble pie wafting through the Old Trafford air?
Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine… but Mount and Amad struggle
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
