Lisandro Martinez has hit back at criticism from former Manchester United midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, telling them they are welcome to confront him at his home. The defender produced a standout performance in Sunday's goalless derby draw against Manchester City, keeping Erling Haaland quiet after the pair had questioned his ability to handle the striker.
Speaking on a podcast ahead of the match, Butt said he 'wasn't looking forward' to watching United's younger players face Haaland, with Scholes wincing at the prospect of Martinez marking the Norwegian. Butt joked that Haaland would 'pick Martinez up and run with him like a dad carrying a toddler', while Scholes added that Haaland would 'score and throw him in the net'.
However, Martinez delivered an exceptional display alongside Harry Maguire, limiting City to just one shot on target. When asked about the comments after the match, Martinez said: 'Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to wherever he wants. To my house, wherever.' He added that he respects former players who want to help the club but noted that 'when you sit here face-to-face, no one says anything in your face'.
The Argentine stressed that the criticism does not motivate him, saying: 'My motivation is my family. That's it.' He credited interim manager Michael Carrick for changing the team's mentality, saying the former midfielder 'knows what it really means, this club', and praised the defensive partnership with Maguire, stating: 'Today we had really good communication on the pitch.'
Martinez also emphasised the importance of the connection with fans, stating that when they see the team fighting, they will be behind them. He concluded: 'Today is the standard for this club.'
