Rio Ferdinand has criticized his former Manchester United teammates Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt for making ‘personal’ remarks about Lisandro Martinez. Scholes and Butt had mocked Martinez ahead of the Manchester derby, with Scholes joking that Erling Haaland would easily score against Martinez, and Butt adding a humorous comment about Haaland carrying Martinez like a toddler.

Despite the criticism, Martinez kept a clean sheet as United triumphed 2-0 in the derby, with Haaland’s lackluster performance and substitution adding to United’s victory. Martinez, undeterred by the comments, expressed his indifference towards Scholes and Butt’s remarks post-match and even invited them to discuss the issue face-to-face at his home.

In response, Butt dismissed Martinez’s stance, urging him to ‘grow up,’ while Scholes emphasized Martinez’s need to maintain performance consistency rather than engaging in verbal exchanges. Ferdinand, joining the conversation, downplayed the situation, emphasizing Martinez’s focus on improving and returning United to its former glory.

Ferdinand highlighted Martinez’s dedication to learning and improving, noting his willingness to engage in conversations and his positive influence in the team. He supported Martinez’s invitation for dialogue, suggesting that open communication is essential for resolving conflicts. Ferdinand also lauded Martinez’s professionalism and winning mentality, acknowledging his desire to uphold United’s standards.

The debate continues on whether Scholes and Butt should apologize for their remarks, with Ferdinand advocating for constructive discussions over confrontations. He emphasized the importance of transparency and respectful communication, reflecting Martinez’s approach to addressing criticisms. Ferdinand concluded by highlighting Martinez’s willingness to engage with others and his commitment to success.

This incident sheds light on the importance of open dialogue and professionalism in addressing criticisms within the sports industry. Ferdinand’s insights provide a balanced perspective on the situation, emphasizing the need for respectful communication and mutual understanding in resolving conflicts.