Paul Scholes has praised Lisandro Martinez's "brilliant" display in Manchester United's 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City but warned the defender that he must be able to deal with criticism. Martinez took exception to comments made by Scholes and Nicky Butt ahead of the match, challenging Scholes to speak to him face-to-face.
Scholes and Butt had joked about Martinez's size before his battle with Erling Haaland, suggesting the Norwegian would "pick him up and run with him". Responding on their podcast, both former players said their remarks were tongue-in-cheek, with Butt praising the Argentinian's performance while questioning his reaction.
"First and foremost he was brilliant on the day, and fair play to him, he's gone out man-to-man against the best centre-forward in the world," Butt said. "But when someone gets so upset about something in the media... to come out and say, 'Come over to my house', f****** grow up."
Scholes acknowledged Martinez's performance but maintained reservations about his long-term suitability. "He's had one brilliant game, but when you start talking and shouting your mouth off, this game has a habit of coming and biting you back on the a**e," he said. "I'm still not sure you can win a league with him. He's got to do it over a period of time."
Butt compared the situation to Alan Hansen's famous criticism of Manchester United's young players in 1995, saying he was forced to "man up" at 18. He stressed there was no personal issue with Martinez, adding that such scrutiny is inevitable for players at a big club.
