Patrice Evra has hailed Lisandro Martinez as one of Manchester United's best signings "for years" while hitting out at former Arsenal star Per Mertesacker.
Martinez joined United from Ajax over the summer in a deal worth £55m. His first few games prompted some concerns, not least the 4-0 defeat at Brentford, but the Argentina international has grown into his role alongside Raphael Varane.
With the 24-year-old away on World Cup duty, former Red Devils favourite Evra has praised the new arrival while rubbishing questions about Martinez's height. In doing so, meanwhile, he has levelled some criticism at Mertesacker a number of years after the German's retirement.
"This is one of the best signings we’ve had for years at Manchester United," Evra told Vibe with Five. "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.
"When he gets the ball, he is so clean and composed," added Evra, making reference to Martinez's display for Argentina against Mexico at the World Cup. "Mexico were pressing everywhere but every time he got the ball he was calm and playing forward. That’s what I love."
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On the subject of Mertesacker, Evra hit out at the German's preference for short passes. The former centre-back has moved into coaching since hanging up his boots, and is now academy manager at his old club Arsenal.
"[Martinez] doesn’t play those one-metre balls to the next player. This is easy," Evra continued. "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."
Martinez was left out of Argentina's starting line-up for their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia, with Cristian Romero partnering Nicolas Otamendi at centre-back. However, he came into the XI for the victory over Mexico, with Romero dropping to the bench.
Second-half goals from Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez gave Scaloni's team victory. They now have their fate in their own hands ahead of the final group game, against Poland on Wednesday.
Three points for the Albiceleste would ensure they qualify for the last 16. A draw would also be enough if the other game in the group ends all-square, but Saudi Arabia can still finish above the South American side by beating Mexico.
