Jamie Carragher was warned Lisandro Martinez to 'keep away' from Erling Haaland in Sunday's Manchester derby, as the centre back is unlikely to outmuscle him.
Martinez was criticised for being too small after Manchester United lost 4-0 to Brentford earlier this season, but he has since become a cult hero at Old Trafford for his tenacious defending and leadership.
The 24-year-old has formed an impressive partnership with Raphael Varane, with the pair keeping three clean sheets in their last five games.
For Carragher, though, facing City's number nine will prove a much tougher test for the defender. He wrote in the Telegraph: 'Haaland may have been kept quiet by Martínez in Ajax's Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund last season (the Dutch won 4-0) but the Norwegian is currently the best striker in the world.'
The former Liverpool man offered advice on how Martinez could curb his natural game to deal with Haaland. He said: 'The most visible asset in his first United appearances – his desire to engage by continuously hunting down and tackling his opponents – is what he may need to curb most this weekend.
'Haaland will be waiting for him to dive into challenges knowing one mistake can be fatal.
'Some battles can be won by outmuscling or outplaying an opponent. Other players need out-thinking.'