Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has fired back at Lisandro Martinez following the defender’s fiery reaction to post-match comments made after the Manchester derby.
While praising Martinez’s performance, Butt urged the Argentine to “grow up” after his emotional response to pundit criticism and on-field gestures following United’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
Nicky Butt praises Lisandro Martinez but says ‘that’s what’s expected’
Nicky Butt began by acknowledging Lisandro Martinez’s impressive showing against Erling Haaland, calling his performance one of the best of the season. “First and foremost, he was brilliant on the day, and fair play to him.
“He’s gone out and he’s gone man-to-man against probably the best centre-forward in Europe, in the world possibly,” Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football.
“He was brilliant so we’ll come on here now and go, ‘Brilliant, well done! Everyone has done really great,’ but that’s what is to be expected as a Manchester United player on a derby day.
“But brilliant, he’s done really well. For me, we’re podcasters and we talk like three lads in a pub having a conversation. We’re not on Sky doing commentary on a game,” the United legend added.
Martinez, who had silenced critics with his physical and tactical dominance over Haaland, appeared to take issue with remarks made on the podcast suggesting Haaland could “carry him around.”
Following the match, the Argentine centre-back made a point of mocking that line with his own gestures during post-match celebrations, something Butt didn’t take lightly.
Nicky Butt responds to Lisandro Martinez’s gestures, says ‘grow up’
Continuing on the podcast, Butt expressed disbelief over Martinez’s reaction. “It’s tongue in cheek, it’s quite obvious that Haaland’s not going to pick him up and run with him. It’s f______ obvious, that. It’s a figure of speech.”
Butt concluded, stating: “I just think when someone gets so upset about someone in the media or on a podcast saying something about them, to come out and start basically saying that they can do what they want and doing that after the game and saying to come to his house… it’s like f______ grow up!”
Martinez’s passionate personality and fiery nature have often made him a fan favourite at Old Trafford, but Butt’s comments underline a wider sentiment about the expectations that come with representing Manchester United.
As the dust settles on another memorable derby win, it remains to be seen if the defender takes the advice on board or keeps using criticism as fuel for his fiery performances on the pitch.
- Read More: Lisandro Martinez opens up about ACL injury struggles and how he rebuilt himself at Man Utd
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
