Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has won over most of his doubters.
But he will never win over Paul Scholes.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has doubled down on his criticism of Lisandro Martinez, despite a backlash earlier this year.
Back in January, Scholes and Nicky Butt sparked anger when they predicted Erling Haaland would ‘carry Martinez like a baby’ and score for fun against him.
Martinez made the former United pair look silly when he shut Haaland down completely to keep a clean sheet against him in a memorable 2-0 derby win.
In a recent appearance on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes admitted: “When he was playing I thought he was really good.”
But he went on to claim that United need better players in defence if they are to win top trophies.
Lisandro Martinez during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Would you START Lisandro Martinez vs Leeds?
If he starts, who drops out – Yoro or Heaven?
Getty Images
Scholes on Martinez
Paul Scholes explained that in his opinion, Lisandro Martinez does not work as a partner for Harry Maguire or Matthijs de Ligt.
More United News
Martinez has not played with De Ligt this season due to their respective injuries – but he did perform well alongside Harry Maguire.
Scholes said: “Now when I’m talking about one of four, you talk about Maguire, and De Ligt, with a Martinez – I don’t think he suits them.
“I think they need somebody more dominant, more quicker, more stronger, better.
“Just someone who just takes the ball and says ‘get out of my way’, Jaap Stam, Rio Ferdinand.”
He added: “He can play football. But are you winning the Premier League and Champions League with him?
“I think every center half they’ve got, they need a better one next to him.”
Despite this, Scholes said he would not be looking to actively sell Martinez, commenting: “I’d probably keep him.”
Scholes did however suggest he would sell Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu.
:zap:NEWS IN BRIEF
Paul Scholes criticises Lisandro Martinez again
Long-time doubter of United defender
Criticism comes as Martinez is set to return
Paul Scholes says he would SELL Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu
😞
Getty Images
Timing unhelpful, but Martinez will never win Scholes over
Scholes comments come as Lisandro Martinez has returned to training after a spell out of action with injury. He has not played since early February.
And so the timing of Scholes’ latest jibe is unhelpful – but the defender will have stopped listening to the Class of 92 star a long time ago.
Martinez previously showed his distaste for Scholes’ criticism on social media.
Scholes has never apologised to Martinez for his previous comments. And he is clearly not going to stop now.
Martinez will just have to let his football do the talking once again.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox