Troy Deeney has unleashed a rant at one Manchester United player he believes is acting like a 'tough guy'. The retired striker has 'dared' the Red Devils star to fight him.
The English giants have turned fortunes around significantly on the pitch under Michael Carrick after back-to-back wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. Those results and performances have changed everyone's tune on United.
Under Ruben Amorim, the Old Trafford-based outfit looked like they were heading for another unremarkable season spent in midtable. As a result of the poor performances, club legends and pundits were laying the boot into the players.
Troy Deeney Unimpressed With 'Tough Guy' Lisandro Martinez
Troy Deeney
In the build-up to Carrick's first game in charge, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were particularly critical about United defender Lisandro Martinez. The ex-players suggested Erling Haaland would bully the Argentine centre-back.
After dominating against the Norwegian giant and impressing in the 2-0 Manchester derby win, Martinez responded to the two legends. The 28-year-old stated:
"I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don't care."
That comment prompted former Watford and Birmingham City forward Deeney to deliver a scathing rant. The striker-turned-pundit doesn't fancy Martinez's chances in a physical battle with Butt or other United icons. He said in an interview on Sunday:
"Nicky Butt will punch you into next week. Let me tell you that.
"If one of these lads, Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, turned up at his gaff, he'd be phoning the police in 25 seconds. Like, this whole f*****g, I'm a tough guy."
"But you ain't calling people to come around to your house and have a chat. That's basically saying, ‘If you've got a problem, let's go outside and handle it like men’, which I respect," Deeney continued, expressing his admiration for sorting things out physically.
Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt Related
'Grow up' - Nicky Butt Slams Lisandro Martinez For Responding to Man Utd Criticism
The Man Utd icon just can’t seem to let it go.
The 37-year-old then dared Martinez to offer his invitation of a face-to-face meeting to him. He warned: "Invite me. I f*****g dare you."
Martinez Key to Man Utd's Resurgence
Lisandro Martinez
While Deeney is sceptical over how 'tough' the Man Utd stalwart is, there's no doubting how impressive he's been in the last two matches. Much was made of the 2022 World Cup winner's height when he joined from Ajax in 2023, but he's managed himself admirably against giants like Haaland and Viktor Gyokeres.
After keeping a clean sheet at Old Trafford against the Citizens, Martinez was part of a defence that battled admirably against the Premier League leaders. His partnership with Harry Maguire - who's been labelled one of football's most underrated players - could be the key if Man Utd are to qualify for next season's Champions League.