Lisandro Martínez Responds to Criticism After the Manchester Derby
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez has responded to criticism from Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who predicted a difficult performance against Erling Haaland in the Manchester derby. Before the match, Butt had predicted that Haaland “would lift Martínez and run with him”, and that their clash at Old Trafford would be reminiscent of “a father running down the street with a small child”. Scholes added that Haaland “would score and then throw him into the net”. After Martínez managed to keep Haaland under control during United’s 2-0 victory, the Argentinian responded to the former players, especially Scholes.Scholes quickly responded to Martinez’s comments on Instagram:Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I already told him, if he wants to tell me something, he can come wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don’t care.
Lisandro Martínez
“Someone had a good game, very happy for you… Tea, no sugar please @lisandromartinezzz.”
It is known that United is not happy with the comments from Scholes and Butt, believing it was an attempt to make fun of Martinez rather than offer constructive analysis. Both Scholes and Butt have recently been at Old Trafford, being seen in the directors’ box alongside Sir Alex Ferguson in the 2-1 defeat against Brighton in the FA Cup the week before the derby, a match in which Martínez played.
Martínez’s performance against Haaland, who was substituted early by Pep Guardiola, was key for United, as Michael Carrick orchestrated the victory over City in his first match as coach.Carrick, 44, was appointed on Tuesday and led training for the first time on Wednesday. Martinez said the former United midfielder was able to make a quick impression on the team. “It’s very different, very different,” he said. “Different mentality, different type. He [Carrick] knows what this club really means. He sent us that message that he played here for a long, long time. He won everything. He’s a great legend. He wants to help the club and I think we were in a difficult situation and it was the best time to change that.”I think I respect the relationships [former players] have when they want to help the club because everyone can talk on television, but when you see them face to face, nobody says anything to your face. So, for me, I don’t really care what they say. I just focus on my performance, the team’s performance, and I give everything to this club until my last day.
Lisandro Martínez
