Lisandro Martínez has issued a challenge to Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, urging them to confront him directly after the duo remarked that Erling Haaland would make the Manchester United defender appear like “a little toddler” during the Manchester derby.
In a podcast discussion prior to the match, Butt predicted that Haaland would “pick Martinez up and run with him,” suggesting their encounter at Old Trafford would resemble a “dad after school running down the road with a little toddler.”
Scholes added, “he’d score, then throw him in the net.”
However, after Martínez effectively neutralized Haaland in United’s convincing 2-0 victory, the Argentinian responded pointedly to both former players, particularly Scholes.
“Honestly, he can say whatever he wants,” Martínez stated. “I’ve already told him, if he wants to speak with me, he can come to my house or wherever. I don’t mind.”
United are reportedly displeased with the comments from Scholes and Butt, viewing them as attempts to mock Martínez rather than provide insightful analysis.
Both Scholes and Butt were spotted recently in the Old Trafford directors’ box alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, attending the team’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton just before the derby, a match in which Martínez participated.
Martínez continued, “I respect the opinions of ex-players who genuinely want to support the club, but it’s interesting how they talk on television; when they see you face to face, it’s a different story.”
“So, in the end, I don’t really care what they say. My focus is on my performance and the team’s performance. I’ll give everything for this club until my last day.”
Martínez’s strong performance against Haaland, who was substituted early by Pep Guardiola, was crucial as Michael Carrick secured victory over City in his first match as head coach.
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Despite being appointed just on Tuesday and running his first training session on Wednesday, Martínez noted that Carrick had made a swift impact on the squad.
“It’s so different, so different,” he explained. “He brings a new mentality, a different approach. He understands what this club truly represents. He shared that message with us, having played here for a long time.”
“He has won everything and is a club legend. He wants to help the team, and I believe we were in a challenging situation, making this the perfect time for a change.”