Lisandro Martinez challenges Paul Scholes after Manchester derby triumph
Lisandro Martinez has issued a bold challenge to Paul Scholes, inviting the Manchester United legend to settle their differences in person after the former midfielder ridiculed his stature ahead of the Manchester derby, reports BritPanorama.
The Argentine centre-back delivered a commanding display as United secured a 2-0 triumph over City, completely nullifying Erling Haaland in the process. Martinez’s performance emphasized his resilience, as he won every aerial challenge alongside defensive partner Harry Maguire, while also succeeding in all his ground duels throughout the match.
Speaking after the match, Martinez declared: “Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don’t care.” He further added that in face-to-face interactions, “no one says anything in your face.”
The criticism from Scholes and former teammate Nicky Butt originated from their podcast, where they mocked the World Cup winner’s physical dimensions just days before the derby clash. Scholes expressed doubt about Martinez’s ability to deal with Haaland, suggesting that United would have fared better with Matthijs De Ligt and Harry Maguire available instead.
Butt’s remarks were even more biting, comparing the potential matchup to a parent carrying a small child: “Haaland would pick Martinez up and run with him.” He added that it would be like “a dad after school running down the road with a little toddler,” to which Scholes appended, “He’d score then throw him in the net.”
Despite the pre-match speculation, Martinez’s response on the pitch proved emphatic, producing a masterclass in defensive work. Haaland, who had netted 20 times in 22 Premier League appearances this season, managed only 14 touches and failed to register a shot against United’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Following the match, in which United restricted City to just one effort on target, Martinez completed eight clearances, demonstrating a robust defensive performance. Haaland was substituted in the 80th minute to jeers from the home crowd, highlighting his frustration. This match continues a narrative where the Argentine defender has thwarted the Norwegian striker’s scoring abilities across multiple encounters, with Haaland failing to score in six of their seven meetings.
Pep Guardiola has previously cited Martinez as the “difference” following United’s victorious FA Cup final in 2024, adding to the discourse around his presence in the team. Notably, Jamie Carragher retracted his earlier concerns about Martinez’s height proving problematic in English football after his transfer from Ajax for £56.4 million.
In the world of football, where tactics and individual performances are often scrutinized, this episode serves as a reminder of the competitive edge that defines the sport. Martinez’s resilience against both criticism and formidable opponents adds another layer to his story as he continues to prove his worth on the grand stage.
