Ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has leapt to the defence of Lisandro Martinez amidst a public disagreement with Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. The Argentine defender hit back at comments made by Butt and Scholes prior to the Manchester derby, which saw United triumph 2-0 over their city rivals on Saturday. Now, Ferdinand has accused his former colleagues of crossing the line with personal remarks during their critique of the United centre-back.

Martinez was instrumental in the victory as Michael Carrick celebrated his first win as interim manager at Old Trafford. The ex-Ajax defender effectively neutralised City's attack, restricting Erling Haaland's impact upfront. This stellar performance came against a backdrop of scepticism from former United players. The Red Devils hadn't tasted victory since their Boxing Day win over Newcastle United, and following a challenging period under Darren Fletcher after Ruben Amorim's dismissal, there was apprehension ahead of Pep Guardiola's side's visit.

Martinez has since responded to the claims, while Butt also retaliated after Saturday's victory. However, Ferdinand has levelled accusations against his old teammates. Ferdinand said: "It's not beef, I think it's being made out to be beef. This week I think there has been some stuff that has probably been just over borderline, personal.

"I have spoken to Martinez a few times, online and in person, and he is someone who just wants to do well, win, get back to the standards Man United were at. He is eager to see that that looks like. He has even invited me to go to the training ground, go and get a coffee - he is a sponge. The way he plays is the way I feel he is - he is an honest character and a good sort to have in the changing room.

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"He is within his rights, if something gets on his nerves... he has come out and said it. The way it has been taken I think needs some context. He is not saying, 'Come and meet me anywhere and we will have a tear up'" - he is saying, 'Let's have a conversation face to face is you have an issue'.

"We are talking about a World Cup winner here, he knows how to win. I had a conversation with him after the game and he was quick and clear - we have a standard now and need momentum. What I would say is, when you are talking about people, if you feel you can say the same thing in front of them, then it is fair game."

The Argentine defender has made a welcome return following a significant knee injury earlier in the campaign, offering vital reinforcement to United's backline amid their defensive crisis. Martinez didn't hold back when addressing Scholes' criticism following the victory at the Theatre of Dreams.

He said: "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. 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."

Scholes' response was more light-hearted, stating: "Someone's had a good game, was really happy for you ... tea, no sugar pls."

Butt, however, was more assertive in his reply and insisted there is no personal animosity behind his comments. The 50-year-old stated: "He was brilliant on the day. Fair play to him.

"For me, we talk like lads having a conversation. It's tongue in cheek. It's f***ing obvious. I think when people get so upset about someone in the media or on a podcast... saying all that, it's like, f***ing grow up. If you're going to get so emotional about someone saying something about you, you shouldn't be at a football club, because he is going to get that for the rest of his career at Man United. There is no personal issue."