sport news CHRIS WHEELER: Lisandro Martinez is up for the challenge of stopping Erling ... trends now
In the red corner, Lisandro Martinez. In the blue corner, Erling Haaland. At first glance, it looks a mismatch and one that could possibly decide Sunday's Manchester derby at the Etihad.
Haaland has monstered Premier League defences since joining City for £51.2million, scoring 11 goals in his first seven games. Throw in the Champions League, and it's 14 in nine.
At 6ft 4in, he also towers over Martinez by seven inches. The tale of the tape doesn't tell the full story about United's new £55.3m defender, however. Martinez might be the smallest centre back in the Premier League at 5ft 9in, but he makes up for it with his tenacity and reading of the game.
Erling Haaland has been in scintillating form for Manchester City since arriving at the Etihad
The match-up between Lisandro Martinez and Haaland could decide the Manchester derby
The 24-year-old has faced questions about his size ever since he was released by his boyhood team Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. It's a touchy subject and one he has grown weary of discussing.
Martinez prefers to be judged on his track record. He made his name at Defensa y Justicia in Buenos Aires before moving to Holland.
When Ajax met Borussia Dortmund in last season's Champions League group stage, Martinez had Haaland in his pocket as the Dutch side ran out 4-0 winners in Amsterdam. The prolific Norwegian missed the return game, which Ajax won 3-1, due to a hip injury.
Haaland tries to dribble past Martinez playing for Dortmund against Ajax last season
Erik ten Hag described his new Dutch centre-half as a 'warrior' in the Red Devils' back line
Erik ten Hag's game plan with Ajax was to press Dortmund's midfield to cut off the supply to Haaland. Whenever the ball did reach him, Martinez rushed in to nick it off his opponent's toes or stop him from turning. It worked.
Haaland had three of Dortmund's four shots on target, even forcing goalkeeper Remko Pasveer to tip one effort on to the bar. But by his standards it was a very quiet night.
Afterwards Ten Hag made a point of congratulating Martinez in front of his team-mates in the dressing room. The United boss would certainly settle for a repeat on Sunday after taking Martinez to Old
