Patrice Evra aims brutal dig at former Arsenal player while praising Lisandro Martinez

Patrice Evra aimed a dig at former Arsenal man Per Mertesacker while praising Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

Martinez, who is currently part of the Argentina squad at the World Cup in Qatar, has impressed since his summer move to Man Utd.

The defender’s £55million transfer initially raised eyebrows, given the Argentine became the shortest centre-back in Premier League history.

Martinez, who stands at just five-foot-nine-inches, struggled in his first few fixtures with the Old Trafford club, but has since grown into the role alongside France international Raphael Varane.

Evra praises Martinez

Former Man Utd captain praised Martinez’s performances under Erik ten Hag, while rubbishing questions about the 24-year-old’s height.

Speaking to Vibe with Five Martinez said: "This is one of the best signings we’ve had for years at Manchester United.

"It’s because of his fighting spirit. That’s what United fans want to see – those players have to bleed for the shirt.

"People were talking about his height and I was laughing. Some people said I was too small when I arrived in the Premier League as well. When you play with that heart and passion, size doesn’t matter.”

Martinez certainly plays with passion, having been nicknamed the ‘Butcher of Amsterdam' for his aggressive style of play while at Ajax.

Evra added: "When he gets the ball, he is so clean and composed.

"Mexico were pressing everywhere but every time he got the ball he was calm and playing forward. That’s what I love."

Evra slams Mertesaker

While praising Martinez, Evra hit out at the former Arsenal centre-back Mertesacker, and the German's preference for short passes.

The World Cup winner, who is six-foot-six, is now the Gunners' academy manager.

Evra said: "[Martinez] doesn’t play those one-metre balls to the next player. This is easy.

"When I see those stats – I remember Mertesacker at Arsenal, the stats said he never lost the ball – but he was passing it one metre, I can do that every day.

"But Martinez puts the ball through the lines like Michael Carrick. That’s what he does and I love that. What a player, what a player."