Paul Scholes Stands Firm in Martinez Criticism Row
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has refused to back down from his controversial criticism of defender Lisandro Martinez, stating he will not be issuing an apology despite acknowledging his initial remarks "weren't great". The former midfielder's comments have sparked an ongoing row that shows no signs of abating.
The Controversial Comments That Started It All
The dispute originated when Scholes, alongside former teammate Nicky Butt, appeared on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast. During their discussion, they suggested that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland would easily overpower Martinez due to their significant size difference. This analysis prompted a direct challenge from Martinez following United's 2-0 victory over City, with the defender calling for Scholes to address him face-to-face.
Revisiting the incident on Sky Bet's The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes quipped, "I didn't realise I had so many Argentinian friends." He then elaborated on his position, stating: "Look, what we said probably wasn't great when you look back. I'm not apologising for it. The thing we were trying to say was what we thought and still is, physically, it's a mismatch, but the way we described probably it wasn't great and probably shouldn't have done that."
Scholes Defends His Position Amid Backlash
The former England international expressed hope that Martinez would prove him wrong, but pointed to previous performances that informed his assessment. "He's had one good game though," Scholes stated. "I hope to God he proves me wrong, but look at the week before against Brighton and Danny Welbeck. Look at the week before that against Burnley. He gave the goal away against Burnley."
Scholes did acknowledge Martinez's strong performance in the Manchester derby, saying: "We probably worded it not in a great way and I hope he proves me wrong. He had a great game against City, he was brilliant and we have got to see that now again for the rest of the season."
Addressing the fallout from his comments, Scholes acknowledged the significant "backlash" and "toxicity" directed at him and Butt. "It's not something we like doing. We obviously want to see the team winning every single week," he said, adding, "I think it's more so now than it ever has been that people are speaking their mind and you've got to deal with it."
Broader Manchester United Context
Shifting his focus to the broader Manchester United situation, Scholes predicted that former teammate Michael Carrick could emerge as a long-term contender for the United managerial position if he secures a top-four finish. He noted that Carrick "didn't do a lot that was unexpected and he got a little bit lucky he had a couple of players back from the African Cup of Nations, which made a difference."
Scholes also praised Harry Maguire's performance alongside Martinez in the derby victory, but cautioned against fan expectations. "Harry Maguire, I thought he was good next to Martinez as well, but the trouble is...now, you almost have a rod for your own back," he explained.
The United legend continued: "If he does really well until the end of the season like Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer), United fans will demand it. What will they need to do for the United fans to demand him staying for next year? Now, I don't think it should happen and will they learn their lesson with the Ole thing? Will they be a bit scarred but you know what it's like if he gets second or third."
The ongoing row highlights the intense scrutiny facing Manchester United players and the willingness of club legends to voice strong opinions about current squad members, creating a dynamic that continues to generate headlines and debate among supporters and pundits alike.
