Jamie Carragher has warned Manchester United fans they should be concerned about the recent form of Lisandro Martinez.
The Liverpool legend was forced to concede he made a mistake with his prediction that the Argentine’s lack of height would prevent him from being a success in the Premier League upon his arrival from Ajax two-and-a-half seasons ago.
Martinez instantly attained cult hero status with United supporters following a series of combative displays and only a succession of unfortunate injuries prevented him from making an even greater impact under Erik ten Hag.
The appointment of Ruben Amorim, meanwhile, has brought with it the implementation of a 3-4-3 system that Martinez would appear to be ideally suited to.
Instead, however, Carragher believes there are signs that the 26-year-old is struggling to get to grips with the new formation,with last night’s error-strewn display against Tottenham a prime example.
Newcomer Leny Yoro also endured a difficult evening but Carragher fears Martinez’s weaknesses should be even more of a concern.
‘When you mention a young centre back it’s an unforgiving position like goalkeeper,’ he told Sky Sports.
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‘You know that. You look at young Yoro, he doesn’t really follow in on the first goal. The overlap on the second goal that’s something he should read and should see.
‘I think a little bit of a worry for Manchester United fans is Martinez. I was critical of him when he first came because I didn’t think he’d be able to play in a back four.
‘I thought he’d be too small but he had a really good first season. In some ways you’d think he’s perfectly suited to a back three.
‘He can step out with the left foot, he’s got two bigger players alongside him.
‘Even though he played a great ball through for the winner in the Manchester derby I don’t think he’s looked as comfortable since Amorim came in.
‘I thought this would be the making of him this would really suit him. So that’s a worry because he had a really poor night.’