Jamie Carragher and Lisandro Martinez were involved in a light-hearted exchange after Manchester United’s opening match against Fulham.
United debutant Joshua Zirkzee came on as an 87th-minute substitute and scored the winning goal to give Erik ten Hag’s side a 1-0 win after a lacklustre performance.
Fulham struggled in front of goal but also had chances at the other end of the pitch. United played solidly overall though, with Martinez at centre-back alongside Harry Maguire, who was injured last year.
The Argentine produced an impressive performance to help his team to a clean sheet and returned to the Old Trafford pitch after the match for an interview with Sky Sports.
He spoke openly about his time at Old Trafford, referencing criticism from Carragher when he joined the Red Devils two years ago, when the pair awkwardly compared their heights.
Jamie Carragher (right) and Lisandro Martinez (left) had a light-hearted confrontation after Manchester United’s win over Fulham
Carragher and Martinez compared their heights after the analyst claimed the United star was too short two years ago
Martinez put in a strong performance as United won 1-0 at Old Trafford on Friday night
“I know I’m not tall, but I will win”
Lisandro Martinez addresses comments about his fitness when he first came to the Premier League
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 16, 2024
Former United player Gary Neville, who worked as a football analyst, asked Martinez: ‘When you came to the Premier League, they started making comments about your physical condition. How did that work out?’
Martinez paused and replied: “You mean from (Carragher?),” pointing in the direction of the former Liverpool player.
Two years ago, when Martinez left for United, Carragher branded the £55million man a ‘problem’ for Erik ten Hag, adding: ‘We should never judge managers or players too early, but I’m convinced that it can’t work because of his size in a back four.
‘Maybe he can play at left-back, maybe in a three-man defence, but he can’t play in a four-man defence in the Premier League.’
On Friday, Carragher knew straight away what Martinez was talking about and stood next to the defender to compare their heights.
Carragher, who is described as 6ft 5in tall, joked: “He’s taller than me!” Martinez is said to be 5ft 9in tall.
Neville added: ‘I think Carragher really gave him a hard time at the start of last season.’
Carragher later changed his profile picture on X, formerly Twitter, showing him and Martinez side by side
Speaking about the criticism, Martinez said: ‘As players we are ready for everything. Criticism. That is part of our job. If you are here for excuses, you are not ready for this club. If you play badly, be ready for criticism. I was ready for that.
“I always believe in myself and my strength. I know I’m not really tall, but I will win, show with personality that I’m there on the field.”
Carragher joked that Martinez, who is 5ft 9in, is “almost the same size” as himself, at 6ft 5in.
Martinez got the better of Adama Traore (left) in a physical battle down United’s left flank on Friday
Carragher later changed his profile picture on X, formerly Twitter, showing him and Martinez side by side
However, Carragher was complimentary about the defender after the interview concluded, with Neville saying he should speak more publicly.
Martinez made just eight Premier League appearances for United last injury-plagued season but is now fully fit for the squad.
“He gave you tactical insight in terms of the team and other players,” Carragher said, not turning up to make excuses.
‘We criticize players and give them praise. He was heavily criticized and said he didn’t play his best game, but that type of personality to show that… he’s a warrior, I thought he came across as brilliant.’
Roy Keane added: ‘It takes a while for players to settle into the club. Sometimes we have to give them the benefit of the doubt.’
Martinez spent most of the game on the left side of United’s defence, facing Adama Traore, with the Fulham winger initially gaining the upper hand and creating a chance for the visitors.
He later took revenge by pushing the Spaniard aside, which ultimately gave him the victory and prevented the ball from being touched.
He joked that he had sent Traore, who is known for his strength and muscular physique, ‘to the gym’.
“I learned from the first time he killed me,” he added. “I killed him too.”
Sky Sports analysts Carragher and Gary Neville agreed that Matthijs De Ligt (pictured) is likely to partner Martinez when he is up to speed
Carragher suggested Harry Maguire (pictured) could soon find himself out of the squad
The Sky analysts were also asked who they think should be the first choice central duo at the club, given the additions of Leny Yoro and Matthijs De Ligt to United’s ranks this summer.
Yoro will be sidelined for a while, but De Ligt came on as a substitute and will likely be able to start again soon.
“The centre-backs they have when they’re all fit, I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays with three sometimes,” Neville said. “I think De Ligt and Martinez will be the two when everyone’s fit.
‘It has to be De Ligt and Martinez,’ Carragher added. ‘I don’t see three. I’m not sure he’s played since he arrived.
‘Harry Maguire probably won’t consider himself first choice. You’re not going to let him and De Ligt play together.’