Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United responds to criticism after being labeled ‘too small’ by pundits.
Lisandro Martinez, the defender for Manchester United, insists he has paid no attention to some of the early criticism leveled at him since his arrival in the Premier League.
Martinez joined United from Ajax in the summer for £56 million and has quickly established himself as a key first-team player alongside Raphael Varane at the heart of the defense.
His signing was met with skepticism, with pundits citing his height as a major issue.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is among those who question whether the Argentina international has the physical attributes to succeed in English football.
‘We should never judge managers or players too early, but I’m convinced this can’t work because of his size playing in a back four,’ Carragher said after United’s 4-0 loss to Brentford in the second week of the season, a game in which Martinez was replaced at half-time.
‘He could play left-back, he could play in a back three, but he cannot play in a back four in the Premier League.’
Martinez went on to impress in each of United’s next four league games, winning against Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester, and Arsenal, and Carragher stuck by his assessment despite praising his performances.
On The Overlap on September 6, Carragher said, ‘His passing is very good, he looks aggressive.’ ‘He has the appearance of a leader
‘He’s not a bad player, but I wouldn’t want to play alongside someone who was 5ft 9in as a center-back at that level of football.’
Martinez discussed his move to Old Trafford and how he has chosen to ignore media criticism and is pleased with how he has begun to adapt to a different league.
Martinez told TyC Sports after Argentina’s win over Honduras, “It’s a dream come true to be playing at such a big club as Manchester United, especially playing in the Premier League, which I think is one of the best leagues in the world.”
‘I’m very happy because it’s nice to get into the rhythm of the Premier League.’ I’m not sensitive to criticism. I have faith in myself and trust in myself. Every day, I put in a lot of effort, That is what will produce results in the end.‘
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