Rio Ferdinand Backs Lisandro Martinez Amidst Paul Scholes Feud

Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the spat between current Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has defended Lisandro Martinez as he weighed in on the spat with Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. The Argentina defender responded to claims made by Butt and Scholes, before the Manchester derby, as United down their rivals 2-0 on Saturday. Now, Ferdinand has accused his former teammates of making personal remarks during their analysis of the United stopper. Martinez played a key role in the triumph as Michael Carrick earned his first in interim charge at Old Trafford. The former Ajax defender nullified City's threat and limited Erling Haaland to little success in forward positions. READ MORE : Man United next manager pick made by Jamie Carragher as four-man shortlist givenREAD MORE : Man United transfer news: Barcelona double deal interest as Marcus Rashford reality clear The defender's standout display came amid the backdrop of pessimism from former United players. United were winless since their Boxing Day triumph over Newcastle United, and after their struggles under Darren Fletcher, following Ruben Amorim's sacking, there was trepidation ahead of the visit from Pep Guardiola's side. Martinez has since responded to the claims, while Butt has also fired back following Saturday's win but Ferdinand has made accusations against his former teammates. FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE!Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page 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. "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." Martinez returned from a serious knee injury earlier this season and has provided much-needed reinforcement at the back during their injury troubles. He didn't mince his words responding to Scholes after the win at Old Trafford. 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 tongue-in-cheek, he said: "Someone’s had a good game, was really happy for you … tea, no sugar pls." Butt's was a lot firmer in his response and argued there is no personal vendetta behind his remarks. The 50-year-old said: '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."