Jamie Carragher finally admits he was wrong about 'brilliant' Lisandro Martinez

Jamie Carragher has declared Lisandro Martinez as 'a special player' as the Argentine continues to lead Manchester United up the Premier League table.

Despite being a heavy critic of Martinez in his early days at Old Trafford, former Liverpool defender Carragher admitted on SkyBet's Overlap The Fan Debate that the he was wrong to have doubted the 'brilliant' Argentine.

He said: "Lisandro Martínez has been brilliant. To be that small and play centre-back, you obviously have to be a special player."

Carragher went on to add that Martinez has seemingly played a key role in helping to uplift the spirit at Old Trafford, even when he's not been on the pitch.

"He's been a big part of Manchester United's spirit," he added. "There was a game I saw a few weeks ago and he was a sub, and someone scored a late goal, and he was right involved in the celebrations."

The former Liverpool man did admit that Martinez does have his weaknesses - primarily his well-documented height, the Argentine stands at just 5ft 9in - but that he's been impressed with how the United defender has ensured that he hasn't been 'exposed'.

He said: "At the World Cup with Argentina, we saw him have that fight – with him and Casemiro coming in, they feel more powerful and strong. Someone of that size will get exposed in the air – that has to happen at some stage.

"Every player has weaknesses; the best players hide them or make sure they don't get exposed. He's a really good player and he's surprised me with the way he's coped."

Martinez has quickly become a fan favourite at Old Trafford. Dubbed 'the Butcher', Martinez's fearless nature has been welcomed with open arms by the Stretford End faithful.

The World Cup-winning defender has established himself as one of the first names on Eric ten Haag's teamsheet, playing a key role in the Red Devil's rise up the Premier League table.

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Carragher isn't the only former Premier League defender to heap praise on the Argentine, with former United favourite Rio Ferdinand labelling Martinez 'the best Premier League defender on form right now.'

Martinez will be hoping to add another medal to his collection later this month, as United aim for a first title since 2017 when they take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final later this month.