‘They can only talk on TV’ – Martinez shrugs off criticism from Scholes after derby display

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has dismissed criticism from former club players Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, saying pundits are free to talk on television but rarely confront players directly.

Martinez was speaking after United’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester City on Saturday, a result that marked only the club’s third league clean sheet of a difficult season.

The Argentina international delivered a strong defensive performance, limiting City striker Erling Haaland and helping United secure a morale-boosting derby win.

Backlash after pre-match comments

In the build-up to the match, Martinez was targeted by criticism from ex-United midfielders Butt and Scholes. Butt claimed Haaland would “pick Martinez up and run with him” and likened the defender to a “little toddler”, while Scholes suggested the Norwegian would “throw him in the net”.

Responding after the game, Martinez made clear he was unfazed.

“Honestly, he can say whatever he wants,” Martinez said. “Everyone can talk on the television, but when you see them face to face, no-one says anything in your face.”

The 28-year-old added that his priority remains his performances rather than external opinions, stressing his commitment to the club.

“I just put the focus on my performance, the performance of the team, and I give everything to this club until my last day,” he said.

Social media exchange

Scholes later shared Martinez’s comments on social media, striking a lighter tone. Posting on Instagram, he wrote: “Someone’s had a good game, was really happy for you,” and jokingly responded to Martinez’s invitation for a face-to-face conversation with “tea, no sugar”.

United find relief amid turbulent season

The derby win came at a critical moment for United, who have endured a turbulent campaign.

Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher took charge for two matches before Michael Carrick was appointed interim head coach. The City victory marked Carrick’s first game in charge.

United entered the match having won just once in their previous seven games and remain without European football this season.

They have also been eliminated early from both domestic cup competitions, leaving them with a reduced fixture list.

Martinez pointed to the importance of intensity and connection with supporters.

“It is about the connection,” he said. “If they see us fighting like that, they will be with us.”

The result offers a rare positive note as United attempt to stabilise their season and rebuild momentum.