Ahead of the upcoming Manchester Derby, Jamie Carragher has advised Lisandro Martinez to stay away from Erling Haaland. He said Manchester United coach, Erik ten Hag needs to instruct the Argentine to be smart to deal with the sensational Norwegian.
The young striker has scored 14 goals in his first 10 games for City after joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. And he will be eager to add to his tally when the Red Devils visit Etihad Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the game, Liverpool legend Carragher said: “The best advice Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag can offer Lisandro Martínez about dealing with Erling Haaland is to keep away from him.
“Some battles can be won by outmuscling or outplaying an opponent. Other players need out-thinking. Martínez must be at his smartest to get the better of his Manchester City rival this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Carragher is yet to be convinced that Martinez could continue his incredible performances in the long time, especially due to his height.
The former England centre-half once said that “There is a lot to like about Martínez’s first appearances in a United shirt. The fans have taken to him as a cult figure because he is a warrior and natural leader.
“But long-term, the reservations I had when first seeing Martínez remain. He looks a little too short to play centre-back in the Premier League.”
“We saw when United struggled badly against Brentford, a game where Martínez was subbed at half-time, how difficult it is for him if sides hit long balls into the penalty area to a striker relishing such service like Ivan Toney.
“There is nothing you can do about a height disadvantage when forced into continuous aerial challenges.”
