Man Utd star Martinez has already proved Carragher wrong over Haaland

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Lisandro Martinez had been tipped by Jamie Carragher to have a difficult afternoon when pitted against Erling Haaland in Sunday’s Manchester derby. But the Manchester United defender may feel that, with the benefit of his past experience playing against the Manchester City striker, he is prepared to stop the in-form Norwegian from finding the back of the net.

The Argentinian faces a daunting task along with his defensive partner Raphael Varane in limiting Haaland’s influence at the Etihad Stadium in tomorrow’s crunch clash after the 22-year-old’s stunning start to the season.

Haaland, a £51million purchase from Borussia Dortmund in June, has hit the ground running with a run of sensational form, scoring 11 goals in just seven Premier League appearances.

The Norway international has only failed to score in one match this season – the 4-0 victory over Bournemouth in which he created an assist – and bagged successive hat-tricks against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

There have been concerns raised by Carragher that a player with Haaland’s strength, pace and finishing ability will be too much for Martinez, who at 5’10 is thought to be one of the smallest centre-backs in the Premier League.

And he advised Martinez must be able to outwit the striker, or risk Ten Hag replacing him in the starting XI: “The best advice Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag can offer Lisandro Martínez about dealing with Erling Haaland is to keep away from him,” he wrote in The Telegraph.

“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.”

DON’T MISS
Man Utd squad’s anger at Ronaldo ahead of blockbuster Man City clash
Man Utd boss Ten Hag provides updates on three players for Man City
Ten Hag’s brilliant Martinez gesture ahead of Man City vs Man Utd

However, the Argentinian has proved to be a solid presence in Erik ten Hag’s backline and has been one of the Dutchman’s most consistent performers aside from a nervy debut against Brentford.

Martinez will feel confident therefore that he can repeat his display from the last time he faced Haaland when Ajax thrashed Dortmund 4-0 in the Champions League last season. Haaland had a rare off day in front of goal as Martinez and his Ajax colleagues kept a clean sheet at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

And he will be confident of producing a similar display for United in his first local derby at Pep Guardiola’s City, who are unbeaten with five wins from seven games this season.

Source: Read Full Article