Jamie Carragher and Lisandro Martinez share light-hearted confrontation by comparing heights – after Man United defender questions pundit’s ‘too small’ jibe: ‘We’re virtually the same size!’

Jamie Carragher and Lisandro Martinez were involved in a light-hearted altercation after Manchester United’s opening day win over Fulham.

United debutant Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score the 87th minute winner as Erik ten Hag’s side picked up a 1-0 victory following an indifferent performance. 

While they struggled in front of goal, Fulham had opportunties at the other end too but United were mostly solid, with Martinez starting at centre back alongside Harry Maguire following a run of injuries last year.

The Argentine put in an impressive performance as he helped his side to a clean sheet, and made his way back out onto the Old Trafford turf after the game for a post-match interview with Sky Sports.

He spoke openly on his time at Old Trafford, and ended up referencing criticism from Carragher that came when he first joined the Red Devils two years ago as the duo awkwardly compared heights.

Jamie Carragher (right) and Lisandro Martinez (left) shared a light-hearted confrontation after Manchester United’s win over Fulham

Carragher and Martinez compared heights after the pundit claimed the United star was too small two years ago

Martinez put in a strong performance as United won 1-0 at Old Trafford on Friday evening

Former United man Gary Neville, who was working as a pundit for the game, asked Martinez: ‘When you came to the Premier League, there were comments about your physicality, how have you found it?’

Martinez paused, and replied: ‘You mean from (Carragher?)’ as he pointed in the direction of the former Liverpool man.

Two years ago, when Martinez moved to United, Carragher branded the £55million man a ‘problem’ for Erik ten Hag, adding: ‘Now, we should never judge managers or players too early, but I’m convinced this can’t work because the size of him playing in a back four.

‘Maybe he could go left back, maybe he could play in a back three, but in a back four, he cannot play there in the Premier League.’

On Friday, Carragher knew instantly what Martinez was referring to, and went and stood next to the defender to compare heights.

Carragher, who is billed as 6ft 1in, joked: ‘He is taller than me!’ Martinez is said to be 5ft 9in.

Neville added: ‘I think Carragher had a right go at him at the start of last season.’

Carragher later changed his profile picture on X, formerly Twitter, of him and Martinez next to each other 

Speaking on the criticism, Martinez said: ‘As a player we are ready for everything. Criticise. It is part of our job. If you are here for excuses, you are not ready for this club. If you play bad, be ready for criticism. I was ready for that.

‘I always believe in myself and my strength. I know I not really tall, but I will win, show with personality that I am there on the pitch.’ 

Carragher joked that Martinez, who is 5ft 9in, is ‘virtually the same size’ as himself, standing at 6ft 1in

Martinez got the better of Adama Traore (left) in a physical battle down United’s left on Friday

Carragher later changed his profile picture on X, formerly Twitter, of him and Martinez next to each other

Carragher was, however, complimentary of the defender after he finished the interview, with Neville saying he should speak publicly more often.

Martinez made just eight Premier League starts for United last season in an injury-hit campaign, but is now fully fit for selection. 

‘He has given you a tactical insight in terms of the team and other players,’ Carragher said. ‘He didn’t come on and make excuses.

‘We criticise players and give them praise. He was heavily criticised and said he didn’t play his best, but that type of personality to front it… he is a warrior, I thought he came across brilliantly.’

Roy Keane, meanwhile, added: ‘It takes players a while to settle into the club, we should sometimes give players the benefit of the doubt.’

Martinez was up against Adama Traore on the left of United’s defence for much of the game, with the Fulham winger initially getting the better of him to create a chance for the visitors.

Later on, he got his revenge and brushed aside the Spaniard, eventually coming out the winner in securing the clean sheet.

He joked that he had sent Traore, who is known for his strength and muscular physique, ‘to the gym’.

‘I learnt from the first one where he killed me,’ he added. ‘I killed him back.’

Carragher and Gary Neville agreed Matthijs De Ligt (pictured) will likely partner Martinez when up to speed

Carragher suggested that Harry Maguire (pictured) may find himself out of the side soon

The Sky pundits were also asked to consider who they thought should be the first-choice central pairing at the club, with Leny Yoro and Matthijs De Ligt added to the United ranks this summer.

Yoro faces a spell on the sidelines, but De Ligt came on as a late substitute and should be available to start soon. 

‘The centre backs they have when all fit, it wouldn’t surprise me if he went with a three at times,’ Neville said. ‘I think De Ligt and Martinez will be the two when everyone is fit.

‘It has to be De Ligt and Martinez’, Carragher added. ‘I don’t see a three. I’m not sure he’s played it since he’s come.

‘Harry Maguire is probably not going to find himself as first choice. You aren’t going to play him and De Ligt together.’