Martinez trolls Carragher on CBS after scoring on Champions League debut at Old Trafford

Lisandro Martinez marked his first Champions League appearance at Old Trafford with a goal and a moment of sharp wit, as Manchester United dismantled Sabah 4-0 in their European opener on Thursday.

Martinez joined Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko on the scoresheet as Michael Carrick’s side cruised to a comfortable victory. For the Argentine centre-back, the goal made the evening particularly memorable — but it was what came after the final whistle that had the wider football world talking.

Appearing on the CBS Sports post-match set alongside Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Kate Scott, Martinez was asked by Richards to name his favourite host. He singled out Henry, prompting Carragher to push back: “What about us defenders?” Martinez’s reply was instant. “I watch quality players, you know?” The studio erupted.

He wasn’t finished. When Richards asked whether he used to watch Carragher as a player and what he made of him, Martinez offered a perfectly timed non-answer: “As a player? Good person, you know.” Henry, Carragher and Richards dissolved into laughter once more.

The exchange carries an extra layer of context. When Martinez arrived at United from Ajax in 2022, Carragher was among the most prominent sceptics, questioning whether a centre-back standing just 5ft 9in could hold his own in a Premier League back four. “I’m convinced this can’t work because of the size of him playing in a back four,” Carragher said at the time, adding that Martinez might be better suited to left-back or a back three.

Martinez proceeded to prove those doubts wrong, establishing himself as one of the most combative and reliable defenders in the division. Carragher acknowledged as much the following year, calling him “a warrior and a leader” and crediting him, alongside Casemiro, as one of the signings that transformed the club.

Thursday’s performance — and the post-match theatre that followed — served as a reminder that Martinez has not forgotten the early criticism, even if he chose to deliver his response with a grin rather than a grievance.