SBOTOP Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt Fire Back at Lisandro Martinez : Manchester United Legends Call for Calm

Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have once again found themselves at the center of debate after responding to Lisandro Martinez’s reaction following Manchester United’s victory in the Manchester Derby. While both club legends acknowledged Martinez’s strong performance, they also urged the Argentine defender to show greater maturity when dealing with criticism.

Martinez played a key role as United secured a 2–0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford, delivering a composed and aggressive defensive display against one of the most feared attacks in world football. However, the victory did little to cool tensions that had been simmering in the days leading up to the match.

The dispute originated from comments made by Scholes and Butt, who jokingly questioned Martinez’s physical stature when discussing his duel with City striker Erling Haaland. Their remarks, intended as light-hearted analysis, were taken personally by Martinez, who publicly responded and challenged Scholes to speak face-to-face after the match.

Derby Performance That Demanded Respect

On the pitch, Martinez offered the strongest possible response. The 26-year-old center-back was calm in possession, aggressive in duels, and disciplined in positioning throughout the derby. Against Haaland, he showed intelligence rather than brute force, reading the game well and preventing City from building momentum through the middle.

His performance drew praise even from those who had previously questioned him. United’s defensive shape looked more assured, and Martinez’s leadership at the back was evident as City struggled to break through.

Yet, while his display silenced critics temporarily, the off-field exchange continued to dominate headlines.

Scholes Explains His Position

Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Paul Scholes clarified his stance and revealed that he had attempted to resolve the situation privately.

Scholes explained that he had reached out to Martinez through social media, even offering his personal phone number to discuss the matter directly. According to the former United midfielder, no response followed.

Despite the misunderstanding, Scholes insisted there was no malice behind his original comments. He described them as standard football banter, something he believes players at elite clubs must be prepared to handle.

Scholes also suggested that criticism can sometimes act as fuel for strong performances, hinting that Martinez may have used the comments as motivation against City.

Nicky Butt: Playing for United Requires Thick Skin

Nicky Butt was more direct in his assessment, arguing that Martinez’s reaction crossed the line. The former midfielder emphasized that Manchester United is a club where scrutiny is unavoidable.

According to Butt, reacting emotionally to opinions expressed in the media or on podcasts is a sign of vulnerability that can become a long-term problem at a club of United’s stature.

He stressed that comments about Martinez’s size were clearly metaphorical and never meant to be taken literally. For Butt, the issue was not Martinez’s footballing ability, but how he chose to respond publicly.

In his view, elite players must learn to filter criticism, not confront it head-on at every opportunity.

Praise, But With a Caveat

Despite the sharp words, Scholes was careful to praise Martinez’s derby performance. He acknowledged that the defender played with intensity, confidence, and authority on a big stage.

However, Scholes also cautioned against drawing long-term conclusions from a single standout match. While impressed by Martinez on the day, he reiterated his belief that true top-level defenders are defined by consistency across multiple seasons.

Scholes questioned whether Martinez could be part of a title-winning defensive unit over the long term, suggesting that sustained excellence, rather than emotional responses, is the true measure of greatness at Old Trafford.

Mental Strength and the United Standard

Butt reflected on his own experiences as part of the famous “Class of 92,” recalling the skepticism they faced early in their careers. He referenced the infamous criticism that United would “win nothing with kids,” a statement that proved spectacularly wrong.

At the time, Butt admitted, the criticism affected him deeply. But instead of responding publicly, he and his teammates used it as motivation to improve.

For Butt, that lesson remains relevant today. Criticism, especially at Manchester United, is not an obstacle but a test of character.

A Defining Moment for Martinez

The episode highlights a broader truth about life at Manchester United. Success is not only about technical quality or physical attributes, but also about emotional control and mental resilience.

Lisandro Martinez has already proven his value on the pitch, particularly in high-pressure matches. The next step in his evolution is learning when to respond and when to remain silent.

At United, legends will always speak, opinions will always flow, and scrutiny will never fade. How players handle that reality often defines their legacy more than any single performance.

For Martinez, the challenge now is clear: let his football do the talking, week after week.