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Lisandro Martinez silenced critics Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt with a dominant display against Erling Haaland in Manchester United’s 2-0 derby win.
Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez has hit back strongly at criticism from former Manchester United midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, telling Scholes to be honest with him in person if he wants to question his ability.
The World Cup-winning defender delivered his response where it mattered most — on the pitch — producing a commanding display in United’s 2-0 Manchester derby win on Saturday that saw him successfully shackle Erling Haaland, despite conceding nearly 20 centimetres in height to the City striker.
Martinez’s performance came after a week of pointed jibes from United legends. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Butt claimed Haaland would “pick Martinez up and run with him” like a “little toddler”, while Scholes suggested the Norwegian would “throw him in the net” after scoring.
Instead, Haaland was kept unusually quiet as United claimed victory in Michael Carrick’s first game as interim head coach, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Carrick’s appointment came after under-18s coach Darren Fletcher oversaw two games, making the derby result an ideal launch for the new regime.
Asked about Scholes’ comments after the match, Martinez did not hold back.
“Honestly, he can say whatever he wants,” Martinez said. “I already told him — if he wants to say something to me, he can come wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don’t care.”
The Argentine defender accused former players of saying one thing in private and another in public.
“Everyone can talk on television, but when you see them face to face, no-one says anything,” he added. “I respect people who want to help the club, but I don’t care about that kind of talk. I focus on my performance, the team, and giving everything to this club until my last day.”
Martinez insisted the criticism did not fuel his performance.
“It doesn’t give me anything,” he said. “My motivation is my family.”
Neither Scholes nor Butt were believed to be in attendance at the derby, though both had been present for United’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton a week earlier.
January 18, 2026, 7:29 PM IST
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