Paul Scholes has delivered a brilliant response to Lisandro Martinez after the Manchester United defender invited the Old Trafford legend to criticise him face-to-face at his home
15:45, 18 Jan 2026Updated 15:46, 18 Jan 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 8: Paul Scholes working as a television pundit for TNT Sports during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Athletic Club at Old Trafford on May 8, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Paul Scholes responded to Lisandro Martinez's face-to-face invite(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
Paul Scholes has hit back at Lisandro Martinez after the Manchester United defender launched a fiery response to the Old Trafford legend's remarks.
Martinez told Scholes he should confront him face-to-face and even visit his home following the former United midfielder's criticism ahead of the Manchester derby. Scholes seems delighted to take up the offer. "Someone's had a good game, was really happy for you... Tea, no sugar pls @lisandromartinezzz" the ex-midfielder posted on his Instagram story.
Martinez delivered a stellar performance in what was Michael Carrick's first match back as manager, helping secure a clean sheet alongside Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United celebrates victory following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
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Martinez hit out at the United legend following the Manchester derby win(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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The 2-0 triumph was thoroughly deserved, and Martinez wasn't prepared to ignore comments from United legends following the victory. Speaking to journalists after the final whistle of United's commanding derby triumph, the defender was questioned about remarks 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 declared.
"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."
Paul Scholes Instagram story
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Scholes is ready to pop around Martinez's house(Image: Instagram/paulscholesaaa)
When questioned if such remarks fuel his motivation, Martinez coolly replied: "No, nothing. It doesn't give me anything. My motivation is my family. That's it."
Scholes and his former team-mate Butt didn't hold back in their assessment of Martinez's chances against Erling Haaland. On The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Butt expressed his apprehension about watching United's players face off against Erling Haaland in the Manchester derby.
Scholes chimed in, saying "Martinez against Haaland," before grimacing. Butt retorted: "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."
Despite this, Martinez was pleased with his team's determination against City and believes they can tap into the Old Trafford atmosphere if they maintain their spirited play this season. "It's about the connection," he stated. "It's about how we represent them on the pitch. If they see us fighting like today, they will be with us.
"But if sometimes our performance wasn't the best because they expect from us a good attitude, tackles, the DNA, the blood of Manchester United. And I can really understand because sometimes it's like, what are we doing here? And today is the standard for this club.
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"I don't put focus on the result. I just put focus on the performance, the connection with the people, the connection with the team. You see today that, and I think they don't have a shot at the goal today. One shot, well, just one. And you can feel the mentality. You can feel something different. I'm happy with that."