In a heated exchange reflecting the ongoing divide between generations at Manchester United, former players Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have publicly criticized current defender Lisandro Martínez. After Martínez reacted strongly to their comments, Butt told him to “f—— grow up,” emphasizing that criticism is an expected part of being at a club of United’s stature.
Background of the Feud
The friction began when Butt and Scholes made remarks about Martínez’s performance against Manchester City, specifically regarding his ability to handle forward Erling Haaland. They predicted that Haaland would overpower Martínez, likening the situation to “throwing around a little toddler.” Following the match, where Martínez performed admirably against Haaland, he challenged Butt and Scholes to confront him directly.
In their podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Football, Butt and Scholes acknowledged Martínez’s solid performance but felt compelled to respond to his remarks. Butt stated, “For me, we talk like lads in a pub having a conversation. It’s tongue in cheek.” He expressed his belief that if Martínez is overly emotional about media comments, he may struggle in the high-pressure environment of Manchester United.
The Nature of Criticism
Butt, now 50, highlighted the reality of playing for a top football club, saying, “You’re going to get your ups, you’re going to get your downs.” He recounted his own experiences of facing criticism during his time at United and Newcastle, suggesting that players must develop a thick skin. In his view, getting upset about criticism is counterproductive for a professional athlete.
Scholes added to Butt’s sentiments by acknowledging that while the wording of their initial comments could have been better, the fundamental message about handling criticism was valid. He shared a personal anecdote of a past interaction with Martínez, revealing that the defender had expressed his displeasure over something Scholes had said previously. “He said he’d lost all kinds of respect for me,” Scholes recounted. “At Manchester United, probably the biggest club in the world, you are going to take some criticism. You’ve got to deal with that.”
This ongoing feud underscores not only the personal dynamics between players of different eras but also highlights a broader cultural issue within football regarding how players respond to criticism in the public eye. As Martínez continues to solidify his place in the team, it remains to be seen how he will navigate these challenges while representing one of the world’s most storied clubs.
