Carragher's apology to Lisandro Martinez months after callous criticism

Martinez attempts to clear the ball against Everton|imago

EPL Carragher's apology to Lisandro Martinez months after callous criticism

Allan Damba 10:54 - 23.05.2023

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has tended in his apology to Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, nine months since his outrageous criticism.

Carragher held reservations over his height and size, with the 25-year-old the shortest centre-back in the top flight at just 5ft 9in.

"That's small for any player on the pitch in some ways now, really," the Liverpool legend said back in August.

"You think how big and powerful players are. So when you think of how that could affect Man United set piece-wise," Carragher said before adding.

"If one of your centre-backs is really small, you're relying so much on the other centre-back to deal with things aerially coming into the box, so that could be a problem."

But Martinez has proved his doubters wrong and been a crucial part of Ten Hag's team, helping the Red Devils win the Carabao Cup, reach the FA Cup final and put them within a point of qualifying for the Champions League, attracting an apology from Carragher.

"Any centre-half coming to the Premier League who is under six foot, you are thinking they are going to have a problem, but he hasn't," he said on Monday Night Football (MNF).

"Every player has weaknesses, but the best players hide their weaknesses. How can you overcome that? I wasn't the biggest centre half and was worried I would get bullied. I thought he was smaller than me."

Carragher added: "But when you are talking about the role of Casemiro, there is a massive drop off when Lisandro Martinez is not in the Manchester United team. Defensively, but also his ability on the ball in terms of playing out from the back."

"He is a warrior, a leader, and when you think of that spine, he and Casemiro have made a big difference. So I apologise to Lisandro Martinez. So Manchester United fans, please stop tweeting me!"

Martinez is out through injury and will miss United's last league games against Chelsea and Fulham. He's also not expected to be available for the FA Cup final with rivals Manchester City.