Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has launched a scathing attack on defender Lisandro Martinez, branding him a 'bluffer' and calling for him to be sold. The outburst follows Martinez's red card for an elbow in the 2-0 away defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
The loss leaves Michael Carrick's side winless in their last nine games in all competitions, having lost their last three by an aggregate score of 9-1. Martinez had previously criticised the board after last month's Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid, for which he was punished by the club.
Butt's Criticism and Calls for Sale
Speaking on Football Uncensored, Butt pointed to Tottenham's equaliser in a 1-1 draw last month, where Martinez was outmuscled by Dominic Solanke, as evidence of his poor performances. "That lad's a bluffer, full stop," Butt said. "Just a bluffer. The Butcher, his nickname is."
Butt also referenced Martinez's comments about his former teammate Paul Scholes, saying, "He called out my mate (Scholes) and it was probably my fault, I said something tongue-in-cheek on a podcast." Butt added, "He's come out and called out a player (Scholes) who's won 11 Premier Leagues for Man United."
Martinez's Conduct and Suspension
Butt criticised Martinez's conduct on the pitch, saying, "He threw it in with that elbow because that was the most obvious thing anyone could do. The reason why he did it is because he's not strong enough to defend properly." He also referenced Martinez's celebration with an Argentinian flag after the World Cup semi-final victory over England, which Butt described as inappropriate.
Martinez will serve a suspension for United's next Premier League fixture at home to Aston Villa on Sunday. However, the 28-year-old is available for Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Roma.
