A heated exchange emerged following the Manchester derby, where Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United addressed comments made by club legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt on their podcast, The Good, The Bad and The Football. The discussions prior to the match featured Scholes critiquing Martinez’s capabilities against star striker Erling Haaland, suggesting that Haaland could easily dominate him. Butt added that Haaland would treat Martinez like “a dad at school running down the road with a little toddler.”
This type of commentary raised eyebrows among Manchester United supporters, as it crossed the line from typical punditry into what some perceived as immature mockery of a professional athlete. Despite the criticism, Martinez played a pivotal role in United’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on October 28, 2023, effectively neutralizing Haaland’s impact throughout the match.
After the match, in the mixed zone, Martinez responded directly to Scholes, stating, “Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to wherever he wants.” Scholes quickly replied with a sarcastic remark, “Someone’s had a good game, was really happy for you… Tea, no sugar please, Lisandro Martinez.”
This exchange, while entertaining, threatened to overshadow the team’s significant victory under the management of Michael Carrick. Martinez’s performance not only silenced critics but also displayed his resilience and determination to rise above disparaging remarks.
Scholes’ history of controversial statements is well-documented. In December 2022, he criticized the handling of young player Kobbie Mainoo by coach Ruben Amorim, suggesting that the situation was poorly managed. Such outspoken criticisms are not limited to Scholes; fellow pundits like Gary Neville and Roy Keane have also made headlines for their blunt assessments of the club’s decisions and player performances.
In an age where social media amplifies every statement, it is not unusual for pundits to resort to provocative commentary to engage audiences. This has led to an environment where players like Martinez feel compelled to respond to such critiques. Nonetheless, players also have a responsibility to accept accountability when performances falter.
It is notable that following victories, social media platforms are flooded with celebrations and gratitude from the Manchester United squad. In contrast, apologies or explanations during less favorable outcomes are rare. This disparity can create an impression of disingenuousness, as fans may perceive that players only engage when the mood is positive.
As both Martinez and Scholes have weighed in on their exchange, it may be time to move forward from this saga. Martinez’s focus should remain on delivering exceptional performances on the pitch. If he continues to excel, the volume of criticism is likely to diminish, allowing him to let his skills do the talking.
