Jamie Carragher has issued an apology to Lisandro Martinez after his farcical start-of-season prediction.
The former Liverpool defender weighed in on Manchester United’s summer signing ahead of the 2022/2023 campaign, suggesting that Martinez was “too small” to play in the Premier League.
Since then, the Argentinian has proven to be one of the signings of the season. The instant impact he has had on United’s defence has played a pivotal role in David de Gea claiming this season’s Golden Glove award and is a major reason why the club have ended a six-year trophy drought, look set for Champions League qualification and are in another final.
Martinez is absolutely worth his weight in gold to the Old Trafford faithful and is already classed as future captain material despite being at the club for such a short space of time.
Carragher accepts defeat
Whilst Carragher and Gary Neville shared their picks for the end-of-season awards on Monday Night Football, the former highlighted Martinez as his “Biggest Surprise” and said (via Football Daily): “It’s not just about Martinez, it’s about any centre-back coming to the Premier League that’s under six foot, you’d think, ‘He’s going to have a problem’ – but he hasn’t.
“I think when you’re talking about Casemiro and he’s not in the United team, I think it’s a massive drop off when Martinez is not in the Manchester United team. Defensively, but also his ability on the ball and playing out from the back.
“He’s a warrior, he’s a leader and when you think of that spine of the team, certainly him and Casemiro, two new signings, I think they’ve made a huge difference so… apologies Lisandro and all United fans. If you could please stop tweeting me about Lisandro Martinez now, that would be good.”
Premier League Biggest Surprise of the Year 🥇@Carra23 – Lisandro Martinez
🚨 Jamie Carragher issues an apology to Lisandro Martinez 🚨 pic.twitter.com/YfAlHnHUEH
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 22, 2023
Footage courtesy of Football Daily.
