Lisandro Martinez: United defender responds to Scholes’ recent criticism

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·18. Januar 2026

Lisandro Martinez: United defender responds to Scholes’ recent criticism

Lisandro Martinez has responded to recent comments from Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who had previously suggested that the Argentine would struggle against Erling Haaland in the Manchester Derby.

Speaking in the build-up to the game, the two ex-players ridiculed Martinez, with Butt even comparing him to a toddler in front of Haaland. Their words caused outrage among fans, but the Argentine chose to let his football do the talking.

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On Saturday, at Old Trafford, Martinez put in a superb shift against the Cityzens, keeping the Norwegian quiet and helping United secure a 2-0 win. Such was the Argentine’s impact that Haaland was substituted with 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Martinez not losing sleep on Scholes’ comments

After the game, Martinez was asked about Scholes’ comments and he said, via The Daily Mail: “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 think, for me, I respect the relations 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. So I don’t really care what they say. I just put the focus on my performance, the performance of the team and I give everything to this club until my last day.”

“People always say whatever they want, it’s something that I can’t control. What I can only do is to show on the pitch and I think today I showed it. Imagine we have to think what people say. We have to be focused for the rest of this club. We want to change this situation and we are the only ones who can change it.”

Martinez was also asked if the criticism had worked as motivation, to which he replied: “No, nothing. It doesn’t give me anything. My motivation is my family, that’s it.”

On Saturday, the Argentine provided the grit and determination that United desperately needed, and made an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Source: Sofascore.

Scholes responds to Martinez’s comments

Martinez’s words soon reached Scholes, who took to social media to issue a response. While the former England international did not apologise for his previous comments, he did praise the Argentine for his efforts on the pitch.

Scholes wrote: “Someone’s had a good game, was really happy for you… Tea, no sugar please @lisandromartinezzz”

The 28 year old has faced criticism previously for his height, but has always responded in style. Apart from being a no-nonsense defender, the Argentine is also gifted with the ball, leading to suggestions that he could be the answer to United’s defensive midfield woes.

Final Thoughts

While Martinez will be quietly pleased with his response to the recent criticism, the player is unlikely to dwell on the episode. United’s stunning win against their bitter rivals is bound to shift the somber mood at the club and it is now time to focus on the positives.

With table-toppers Arsenal up next in the Premier League, the Red Devils will be hoping they can add to the good start under Michael Carrick. For the record, during the Englishman’s previous spell as United’s interim manager in the 2021/22 season, he oversaw a 3-2 win over the Gunners.