Lisandro Martínez has delivered a pointed response to criticism from Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, following the club's crucial 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Pre-Match Jibes from United Legends
Before the 198th Manchester derby, Scholes and Butt were scathing in their assessment of the Argentine defender's chances against City's star striker, Erling Haaland. Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Scholes quipped, "Haaland'd score then throw him in the net." Butt added to the mockery, suggesting, "Haaland would pick Martínez up and run with him. You know when you see a dad at school running down the road with a little toddler."
Their comments highlighted concerns over Martínez's stature, but the player had the last laugh with a clean sheet in a famous win for the Red Devils.
Martínez's Fiery Post-Match Retort
When asked about Scholes's remarks after the final whistle, Martínez did not hold back. "No, honestly, he can say whatever he wants," the defender stated. "I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don't care."
He expanded on his frustration with the punditocracy, drawing a distinction between television commentary and direct communication. "I respect the [former players] when they want to help the club," Martínez said. "But everyone can talk on the television. When you see here [at Old Trafford] face to face, no one says anything in your face. So for me, I don't really care what they say."
Martínez emphasised that his motivation comes from his family and his commitment to the club, not external criticism.
Carrick's Immediate Impact Praised
The victory, secured with second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, marked a triumphant start for interim head coach Michael Carrick. It was a stark contrast to the team's FA Cup loss to Brighton the previous Sunday, which both Scholes and Butt attended.
Martínez was effusive in his praise for the new manager, comparing him favourably to the sacked Ruben Amorim. "So different, so different," he said. "Different mentality, different guy. He knows what this club really means. He sent us that message that he played here for a long, long time. He won everything. He is a big legend."
Martínez described Carrick's first training session as quietly confident, a demeanour that has clearly transmitted to the squad. "When you have a coach like Michael Carrick, who really knows, who really can share with you the energy of the club and what it means, it's so different," he concluded.
The win has injected fresh optimism into Old Trafford, with Martínez's defiant performance and words symbolising a potential shift in mentality under the club legend's temporary stewardship.
