The recurring theme of Manchester United legends criticising current players is repeating itself after Paul Scholes aired his reservations about Lisandro Martinez. This comes after Scholes had another public row with failed winger Antony, who was sent on loan to Spanish side Real Betis last month.
Following Antony's high-profile £82million move to Old Trafford in 2022, Scholes didn't hold back in his criticism of the winger. And the red-headed icon branded the Brazilian "a clown" for his showboating during a 0-0 Europa League draw with Sheriff Tiraspol in October 2022.
"I don't think this country likes to see that," said Scholes on BT Sport at the time (via The Mirror). "Does any country, even Brazil? Brazil don't want to see that, do they? Ajax, in Holland, do they want to see that? I like to see skill, but I just don't think that is skill or entertainment. That is just being a clown, isn't it?"
Antony, 24, hit back at Scholes via social media with a defiant message: "We're known for our art, and I won't stop doing what brought me to where I am!"
And Martinez is the latest to feel Scholes' fury despite a recent ACL injury putting an end to his season. Scholes openly criticised the World Cup-winner and suggested United need a higher calibre of defender to get back to winning titles.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, via Sky Bet, Scholes said: "Even when he [Martínez] is fit, he's not good enough to win the Premier League with."
Martinez may have to be wary of this negative spotlight if he doesn't want to follow in the footsteps of former team-mate Antony. Not that any criticism from Scholes was linked in any way to the player's loan exit, but bickering with a club icon in public doesn't make for great optics at the best of time.
"This jinx guy is really hurting," wrote Martinez on social media before suggesting Scholes wouldn't stand a chance where he comes from. "You put him in Argentina, and he wouldn't survive."
Despite this off-field drama, Martinez has been a mainstay for United up until his season-ending injury. The South American has emerged as one of the team's most reliable defenders and was a constant under Ruben Amorim.
However, the upcoming weeks will now show just whether United can compensate for his absence in defence. Next on the agenda for United is an away fixture against Tottenham - another team facing their own struggles - on Sunday.