Lisandro Martinez hit back at Paul Scholes after the former Manchester United midfielder criticized him ahead of the Manchester derby, inviting him to his home for a discussion.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, which United won 2-0, Scholes and former United teammate Nicky Butt poked fun at Martinez’s 5ft 7in physique on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
Butt joked that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who is 6ft 4in tall, “would pick up Martinez and run with him,” while Scholes said with a laugh: “He would score and then put the ball in the net.”
Asked about Scholes’ comments after United’s clean sheet against Haaland against their rivals, Martinez said: “Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I’ve already told him that if he wants to say something to me, he can come wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don’t care.”
“For me, when they want to help the club, I think they respect the relationship because everyone can talk on TV, but when you meet them here in person, no one says anything to their face.
Martinez came out on top in Saturday’s duel with Erling Haaland.
“So I don’t really care what they say. I’m just going to focus on my performance and the team’s performance and I’m going to give everything to this club until the last day.”
Asked if such comments give him extra motivation, Martinez replied: “No, nothing. It doesn’t give me anything. My motivation is my family. That’s it.”
After watching Martinez’s interview, Scholes posted on Instagram on Sunday: “So glad someone had a good game. Tea, no sugar please…@lisandromartinezz.”
Martinez praises Carrick after win against City
Martinez said United’s situation was “very different” in the build-up to the win over City, with Michael Carrick taking charge until the end of the season after Darren Fletcher was briefly interim manager on the hot seat following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
Asked Wednesday if there had been much change since Carrick took over, Martinez said: “Very different, very different. The mentality is different, the guys are different.
“He knows what this club really means. He sent us a message that he has been here for a long time. He has won everything.
“He’s a big legend. He wants to help the club. I think we were in a difficult situation and today was the perfect moment to change that.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick reflected on his side’s 2-0 win over Manchester City.
“Today’s team was different,” Martinez said, adding: “When you have a coach like Michael Carrick, someone who really understands and can share the energy of the club and what it means, it makes a huge difference to the team.”
The 28-year-old highlighted the quiet confidence of his new head coach and the relentless support of his supporters.
“It feels great,” Martinez said. “I think we deserved to win this game.
“We were better on the pitch and I think we gave it our all today. And when you give it your all and see the result, it feels great and I’m very happy today.”
“It’s a question of connection[with the fans]and how we represent them on the pitch. If they see us fighting like we did today, they will stay with us.
“But even if sometimes our performances were not the best because they expected from us good attitude, tackling, Manchester United DNA, blood.
“And I really understand because sometimes you’re like, ‘What are we doing here?'” And today, that’s the standard at this club. ”
Neville: Carrick showed Manchester United’s method works in modern football
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Gary Neville has praised Manchester United’s first performance under head coach Michael Carrick, saying it could lay a “good foundation” for the next manager to take over at Old Trafford.
Gary Neville believes Michael Carrick’s derby victory at Old Trafford showed Manchester United’s methods still work in modern football.
“This is one of the best performances I’ve seen from a Manchester United team in any era,” the Sky Sports pundit said on the Gary Neville Podcast after the 2-0 win over City.
Keene: Everyone calm down Carrick.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Roy Keane discusses Michael Carrick’s influence on Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge after Manchester United’s win over Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports’ Roy Keane asked for perspective. “Give him what he wants! Sign the contract,” joked the former United captain, referring to Rio Ferdinand’s comments after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got off to a strong start as caretaker manager in 2019.
“Let’s take the next few months and decide. The key thing for him is to try to get the team going. He’s an English coach and the English media will be pushing him too. He did well today, but we’ll see how it goes.”
“They won one game! The last manager won one game. He’s only been there three days.
“Darren Fletcher changed the formation but we were missing players. Michael Carrick added to the dream scenario. Everyone was available and City were at home, but they were a little out of form. He could have gotten a red card.”
“There was timing and a little bit of luck and they made the most of it. We didn’t take anything away from him, but everyone calmed down.”
