Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the growing back-and-forth involving Lisandro Martinez and two former Manchester United favourites, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, insisting the situation has been overblown and nudged too close to the personal line.
Speaking candidly, Ferdinand suggested the whole thing has been framed as something bigger than it really is.
How a Podcast Joke Sparked a Reaction
The flashpoint came before the Manchester derby, when Scholes and Butt joked on their podcast about Martinez’s physical mismatch with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
The light-hearted dig focused on size, with the pair joking that Haaland could simply scoop the United defender up and toss him into the net.
United went on to win at Old Trafford, but the comments lingered.
Martinez, clearly unimpressed, responded publicly, questioning whether the jokes would ever be said to his face and inviting both Scholes and Butt to say the same things directly to him.
Martinez Draws a Line — Calmly but Clearly
The Argentina international didn’t mince his words.
While stressing respect for former players who want to see the club succeed, Martinez said he had already told Scholes that if there was something to be said, it could be said face-to-face — anywhere, even at his home.
His point was simple: criticism is fine, but it should carry the same energy in person as it does on a microphone.
Ferdinand Offers Context, Not Condemnation
Ferdinand, speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, was keen to cool things down.
In his view, this wasn’t a feud, just a situation that needed perspective.
He acknowledged that some of the comments edged toward being personal, but defended Martinez’s right to respond.
Ferdinand described Martinez as driven, curious, and deeply invested in restoring standards at United.
He shared that Martinez has even invited him to the training ground just to talk football, painting a picture of a player hungry to learn and improve.
‘Say It to Their Face’ Isn’t a Threat, Says Rio
Crucially, Ferdinand rejected the idea that Martinez was looking for confrontation.
Instead, he framed the defender’s comments as an invitation to have an honest conversation rather than a hostile challenge.
To Ferdinand, Martinez wasn’t asking for trouble — just accountability.
He also reminded listeners exactly who Martinez is: a World Cup winner who understands pressure, standards, and what it takes to win.
According to Ferdinand, that mindset explains Martinez’s bluntness more than any bruised ego.
Scholes and Butt Respond in Their Own Way
Scholes replied first, taking to social media with a tongue-in-cheek message congratulating Martinez on a strong performance and jokingly requesting tea.
Butt followed soon after on The Good, The Bad and The Football, praising Martinez’s display and insisting the original comments were never meant personally.
Butt doubled down on the idea that the remarks were just “lads talking,” stressing that footballers at a club like Manchester United will always face scrutiny and banter.
In his view, there was no issue to resolve and no bad blood at all.
Martinez Keeps the Focus Where He Wants It
For his part, Martinez appeared largely unfazed once the dust settled.
He brushed off the chatter, reiterating that outside opinions are beyond his control.
What matters, he said, is what happens on the pitch — and he felt his performance spoke for itself.
Asked whether the comments fuelled him, Martinez was clear: they didn’t.
His motivation, he explained, comes from his family and from helping United move forward, not from reacting to punditry.
Ferdinand Draws on His Own Experience
Ferdinand also used the moment to reflect on his own boundaries as a pundit.
He explained that while he’s comfortable criticising performances and form, he tries hard never to cross into personal territory.
He pointed to his public apology to Phil Jones in 2024 as an example of holding himself accountable, admitting he had spoken without fully understanding Jones’ injury struggles.
For Ferdinand, that line matters — and when he feels it’s crossed, he believes in addressing it directly.
A Storm That May Fade as Quickly as It Started
In the end, Ferdinand’s message was simple: criticism is part of football, but context and respect matter.
Martinez spoke up because something bothered him, not because he wanted drama.
And while the exchange grabbed headlines, it may ultimately be remembered as little more than noise in a season where United’s focus — and Martinez’s — remains firmly on the pitch.
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