Lisandro Martinez Responds to Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt After Manchester Derby

Lisandro Martinez has hit back at criticism from Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt after Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-0 in Michael Carrick's first game in charge.

United climbed back into the Premier League top five thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu in a buoyant Manchester derby victory at Old Trafford.

Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim as head coach and an FA Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion, Saturday's victory provided a much-needed boost for the Red Devils.

In the build-up to the game, United legends Butt and Scholes shared their predictions for the game and suggested the hosts could get a result.

However, both stressed the importance of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt returning to the side, while questioning whether Martinez could cope with Erling Haaland.

Lisandro Martinez and Erling Haaland (Image: Getty)

Butt said: "Haaland would pick Martinez up and run with him.

"It'll be like when you see a dad at school running down with a little toddler."

Scholes added: "He'll score then throw him in the net."

Martinez was excellent defensively and was only denied a first-half assist to Bruno Fernandes after a tight offside decision.

Meanwhile, Haaland was substituted to jeers from the home crowd 10 minutes from time having touched the ball just 15 times all game.

As the United players walked around the pitch after full-time, Martinez could be seen making talking gestures with his hands, appearing to respond to the pre-match criticism.

In his post-match interview, the Argentine was asked directly about the comments made by Scholes and Butt.

Lisandro Martinez (Image: Getty)

Martinez said: "You know people can always do whatever they want, it's something that I can't control.

"What I can only do is to show on the pitch and I think today I show it and I don't imagine we have to think what the people said.

"It's just we have to be focused for the best of this club, we want to change the situation and we are the only ones who can change it."

Martinez and Maguire were central to United's defensive display.

City were limited to just one shot on target and created no big chances as their title hopes took another hit.

United defended deep for large spells but were aggressive when they won the ball and broke forward quickly in numbers.

Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo operated through the middle, while Dorgu and Amad were relentless in wide areas.

It was the perfect start to Carrick's 17-game interim spell.

With United targeting a return to the Champions League, they will hope this performance is just the start of a strong end to the season.