Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has taken aim at television pundits following his standout performance in the club’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, insisting criticism is easy when delivered from a studio.
The Argentine centre-back was immense at the Etihad on Saturday, shackling Erling Haaland and helping United record just their third Premier League clean sheet of a difficult campaign.
Martinez’s display came days after former United midfielders Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes questioned his ability to cope with Haaland. Butt claimed the Norwegian would “pick him up like a toddler”, while Scholes suggested the striker would “throw him in the net”.
Asked about the comments after the match, Martinez did not hold back.
“Honestly, he can say whatever he wants, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to my house or wherever. Everyone can talk on the television, but when you see people face to face, no one says anything.”
The defender stressed that external criticism does not affect his focus, adding that his priority remains the team and the club.
“I don’t really care what they say. I just focus on my performance and giving everything for Manchester United until my last day
Scholes later responded on social media, sharing Martinez’s comments and congratulating him on his performance, jokingly replying to the invitation with: “Tea, no sugar.”
The derby win was a major morale boost for United in a season that has seen managerial changes and early exits from domestic cup competitions. It also marked a strong start for interim head coach Michael Carrick.
United’s aggressive, high-energy display unsettled Pep Guardiola’s City side, restricting them to one of their lowest expected-goals tallies in a league game under the Spaniard and offering hope that, despite a turbulent season, character and pride remain intact at Old Trafford.
