Image source: theguardian.com
Lisandro Martínez delivered a pointed response to Paul Scholes after Manchester United’s 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford. The defender said former players can criticise on television but rarely say things “face to face,” adding Scholes could visit him “to my house, wherever.” Martínez also credited interim head coach Michael Carrick’s message and the crowd’s backing as United climbed to fifth.
Lisandro Martínez answers Scholes jibe after United beat City 2-0
Lisandro Martínez criticised Paul Scholes for mocking him on a podcast but not saying the same things directly to the Manchester United defender, after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford. Scholes and Nicky Butt had questioned Martínez’s ability to handle Erling Haaland while speaking on the Good, the Bad and the Ugly before the 198th derby.
Scholes said of Martínez: “Haaland’d score then throw him in the net.” Butt added: “Haaland would pick Martínez up and run with him. You know when you see a dad at school running down the road with a little toddler.” Martínez responded after the match by insisting he was unconcerned by the remarks and would rather the criticism was delivered in person.
“No, honestly, he can say whatever he wants,” Martínez said. “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.” He added that “everyone can talk on the television,” but said “when you see here face to face, no one says anything in your face,” stressing his focus remained on performances and giving everything to the club.
Scholes later replied on Instagram, writing: “Someone’s had a good game, was really happy for you… Tea, no sugar pls.” The win moved United up to fifth, one point behind Liverpool in fourth, and Martínez highlighted the importance of the connection with supporters, saying United “deserve to win this game” and were “better on the pitch.”
United beat City with second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu in Michael Carrick’s first match as interim head coach. Martínez said Carrick was “so different” to Ruben Amorim, who was sacked two weeks ago, describing the 44-year-old’s mentality and understanding of what the club means, and saying a quiet, confident first training session helped set the tone.
