Focus on Erling Haaland v Lisandro Martinez battle in Manchester derby

Manchester United's tenacious defender Lisandro Martinez will face the ultimate test when he takes on Manchester City striker Erling Haaland who will be looking to extend his red-hot streak in Sunday's derby.

Haaland has made a sensational start with City since joining the Premier League champions from Borussia Dortmund for £51 million.

The Norway striker has accumulated 14 goals in nine games in all competitions for City and will run into a rejuvenated United who sparked a turnaround in the league after a poor start.

When Erik Ten Hag was managing Ajax against Dortmund in the Champions League last season, he stopped Haaland from scoring and won the group match thanks in large part to an inspired display from Martinez, who is now at United.

Ten Hag brought Martinez with him to Old Trafford and the 24-year-old is already producing commanding performances.

However, at 6 feet 4 inches, Haaland will tower over Martinez, who is the Premier League's smallest centre back at 5ft 9in.

But the aggressive Argentine has gained a reputation of taking on opposing strikers. Martinez has already earned cult hero status among United fans with some ferocious tackling.

Marcus Rashford after scoring Manchester United's third in the 3-1 Premier League victory against Arsenal at Old Trafford on September 4, 2022. EPA

Partnering with Raphael Varane in central defence after Harry Maguire was dropped two games into the season, Martinez has shored up a unit that was United's Achilles heel last season. United have won all five games in which Ten Hag has played Martinez and Varane together at the heart of the defence.

Ten Hag called the Argentine a "warrior", lauding his "attitude and fighting spirit".

But he knows keeping Haaland off the