Lisandro Martinez's strong response to pre-match criticism from Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt has sparked a heated debate, with the former players now telling Martinez to "grow up". The feud ignited after Scholes and Butt mocked Martinez's height and his chances against Manchester City striker Erling Haaland ahead of the Manchester derby.

During their podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes and Butt joked about the 1.75m (5ft 9in) Martinez facing the towering Haaland, suggesting that Haaland would "pick up Martinez and run with him". Scholes quipped that Haaland would "score, then throw him in the net!".

However, Martinez had the last laugh on the pitch, delivering a commanding performance in Manchester United's 2-0 victory over their local rivals. The Argentine defender played a crucial role in neutralizing City's attack and limiting Haaland's impact.

Following the win, Martinez hit back at Scholes and Butt's comments, stating, "Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to me wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don't care". He further added, "I respect when they want to help the club because everyone can talk on the television. But when you see (them) here face-to-face, no one says anything in your face".

In response to Martinez's comments, Scholes and Butt doubled down on their stance during the latest episode of their podcast. Butt said: "I think when someone gets so upset about something in the media or a podcast... to come out and say, 'They can say what they want' and 'Come to my house' and all that. F***ing grow up". He questioned Martinez's mentality, suggesting that such emotional reactions are unbecoming of a player at a big club like Manchester United. "If you're going to get so emotional about someone saying something about you and come out and react like that you shouldn't be at a big football club," Butt stated.

Scholes, while praising Martinez's performance in the derby, maintained his doubts about the defender's long-term suitability for winning the league. "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," Scholes said. He added, "I haven't changed my opinion yet. I'm still not sure you can win a league with him. He's got to do it over a period of time". Scholes also claimed that he had previously exchanged messages with Martinez on social media, even giving him his phone number, but had not heard back.

Rio Ferdinand, another former Manchester United star, has stepped into the debate, accusing Scholes and Butt of making "personal" remarks in their criticism of Martinez. Ferdinand has defended Martinez, highlighting his desire to improve and his eagerness to learn from experienced figures. He revealed that Martinez had invited him to the training ground for coffee to discuss how to restore Manchester United to its former glory. Ferdinand described Martinez as "an honest character and a good sort to have in the changing room".

The public disagreement highlights the intense scrutiny faced by players at top clubs like Manchester United and the fine line between constructive criticism and personal attacks in football punditry.