Paul Scholes has returned fire after Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez fired back at him following the win over Manchester City
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes(Image: Getty Images)
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Paul Scholes has clapped back at Lisandro Martinez after the Manchester United defender lashed out at the Old Trafford icon's comments. Martinez told Scholes that he should criticise him to his face and come to his house after the former United midfielder's jibes leading into the Manchester derby.
Scholes appears happy to accept the invitation. "Someone's had a good game, was really happy for you... Tea, no sugar pls @lisandromartinezzz" said Scholes on his Instagram story.
Martinez put in an impressive outing in Michael Carrick's first match in charge to keep a clean sheet alongside Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. The 2-0 win was well deserved and Martinez wasn't about to brush off words from United legend's following the victory.
Speaking to reporters after the full-time whistle of United's impressive derby win, the defender was asked about comments from Nicky Butt and Scholes.
"Honestly, he [Scholes] can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to wherever he wants," Martinez said.
"To my house, wherever. I don't care. And I think, for me, I respect the relations when they want to help the club because everyone can talk on the television. But when you sit here face-to-face, no one says anything in your face.
"So, for me, I don't really care what they say. I just put the focus on my performance, the performance of the team and I give everything to this club until my last day."
When asked whether such comments provide motivation, Martinez calmly responded: "No, nothing. It doesn't give me anything. My motivation is my family. That's it."
Scholes and former team-mate Butt did not paint a flattering picture of Martinez's chances against Erling Haaland. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Butt said that he wasn't looking forward to watching United's younger players play against Erling Haaland in the Manchester derby.
Scholes intervened, adding "Martinez against Haaland," before wincing. Butt responded: “Haaland would pick Martinez up and run with him. You know when you see a dad at school running down the road with a little toddler?"
Scholes added: “He’d score, then throw him in the net."