Lisandro Martinez Fires Back at Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt Over Height Jabs After Epic Manchester Derby Win: Inside the Feud and Its Fallout

A fresh controversy has erupted at Manchester United. On January 18, 2026, following a thrilling 2-0 triumph against rivals Manchester City, defender Lisandro Martinez unleashed a direct retort to legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. The Argentine star, frustrated by their pre-match ridicule of his stature in facing Erling Haaland, invited them to confront him personally, stating that critics go silent in real-life encounters. This clash has fueled discussions on the boundaries of expert commentary versus personal digs, especially at a club with such storied history. This piece explores the roots of the dispute, possible paths to peace, and its ripple effects on the team and beyond. For Red Devils fans intrigued by football’s drama, this narrative reveals how on-field heroics can silence off-field noise.

Profiling the Main Figures in This Football Rivalry

To grasp this escalating tension, let’s examine the individuals at its core. Lisandro Martinez, the 28-year-old from Argentina, transferred to Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 for a hefty £57 million fee. Despite his 5’9″ frame, which is below average for a central defender, he excels with fierce tackling, sharp anticipation, and precise distribution, earning the alias “The Butcher” from his Dutch tenure under Erik Ten Hag. His accolades include domestic cups with United and a 2022 World Cup victory, making him a cornerstone of the squad’s defense. Paul Scholes, now 51, is an iconic figure from United’s golden era, amassing over 700 appearances and titles galore, including multiple Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues. Retiring in 2013, he now offers sharp insights on broadcasts and podcasts, though his straightforward style sometimes borders on harsh. Nicky Butt, also 51 and from the same legendary youth crop, contributed to numerous trophies before shifting to coaching and media roles. Together, they embody the club’s past glory, but their recent takes have clashed with the current roster’s realities, highlighting a potential generational gap in viewpoints.

Tracing the Build-Up: Earlier Critiques Aimed at Martinez

This recent spat didn’t arise overnight; it stems from a pattern of scrutiny directed at Martinez. As far back as February 2025, Scholes openly doubted the defender’s fit for England’s top flight, suggesting his build wouldn’t hold up even in his homeland. Tragically, Martinez soon endured a severe knee injury that kept him out for months, shifting public sentiment toward empathy. In a candid chat with Afa Estudio, he discussed navigating such feedback, stressing the need for mental fortitude in the sport. He noted that helpful critiques drive growth, but dismissive ones are best ignored, channeling any frustration into match-day energy. Butt has been less prominent in past jabs but aligns with Scholes in joint appearances, often prioritizing traditional ideals of player physique. Despite the knocks, Martinez’s duel-win rate hovers around 65% in the league, proving his effectiveness. This ongoing narrative of skepticism laid the groundwork for the latest outburst, transforming isolated comments into a full-blown confrontation.

The Trigger Point: Podcast Banter That Crossed the Line

The conflict reached boiling point during a January 17, 2026, episode of “The Good, the Bad and the Football” podcast, where Scholes and Butt dissected the upcoming city showdown. With City in title contention and Haaland netting prolifically—20 times in 22 outings—they fixated on Martinez’s challenge against the towering forward. Butt humorously envisioned Haaland scooping up the smaller defender like a parent with a child, while Scholes chimed in with a quip about tossing him into the goal after scoring. They advocated for taller backups such as De Ligt or Maguire to counter the threat. Meant as playful exaggeration, the remarks backfired, especially considering Martinez’s strong history against Haaland, where the striker has found the net just once in seven meetings. Social media erupted with accusations of disrespect, likening it to previous player harassment cases. The clip spread rapidly, intensifying pre-game hype and drawing sharp rebukes from supporters who viewed it as unconstructive mockery rather than analysis.

Derby Day Dominance: How Martinez Proved His Doubters Wrong

The January 17, 2026, clash at Old Trafford marked a pivotal moment under new interim coach Michael Carrick, after Amorim’s departure left United reeling. Facing a formidable City, the hosts defied odds with what experts hailed as their strongest display in over a year. Teaming with Maguire at the back, Martinez orchestrated a masterclass, stifling Haaland to a mere 14 ball contacts and no attempts on goal, leading to the forward’s early exit amid crowd taunts. Martinez’s stats shone: perfect success in challenges, numerous clearances, and a role in limiting opponents to minimal threats. Strikes from Mbeumo and Dorgu secured the upset victory, revitalizing the team’s spirit. This outcome directly countered the podcast predictions, with online communities mocking the earlier analogies. It echoed Martinez’s past heroics, like influencing United’s cup success against City, where even Guardiola acknowledged his pivotal impact. The result not only boosted morale but also amplified the post-game spotlight on the brewing discord.

Martinez’s Bold Comeback: Calling Out the Critics Directly

Fresh off the win, Martinez addressed the controversy in a no-holds-barred interview, brushing off the opinions but issuing a clear dare for a face-to-face discussion—at his home or elsewhere. He underscored that while broadcast bravado is common, personal confrontations reveal true character, with most staying mute. Martinez clarified his drive comes from loved ones, not external noise, and reaffirmed his total commitment to United. The statement exploded online, earning praise for its assertiveness and tags labeling the ex-players as evasive. It captured a common grievance in sports: the gap between remote commentary and real accountability. By framing it this way, Martinez shifted the narrative, positioning himself as a defender not just on the field but against undue criticism, resonating deeply with peers and followers alike.

Responses from the Club and Supporters: A Wave of Solidarity

Manchester United’s leadership quickly voiced dissatisfaction, viewing the podcast remarks as mocking rather than insightful, per reports from ESPN. This protective response aligns with efforts to shield players during a challenging campaign. Among the fanbase, support for Martinez surged, with X platforms buzzing over the “bullying” parallels to prior incidents involving teammates. Calls for remorse echoed, alongside critiques of legends for eroding team unity through careless words. Humorous takes emerged too, imagining personal impacts on Martinez’s family from the jabs. Overall, the episode galvanized supporters, fostering a sense of alliance against perceived negativity from club icons. It also spotlighted broader frustrations with former stars who, despite their contributions, now risk fan alienation through outdated or insensitive takes.

Paths Forward: Seeking Closure or Risking Further Division

As of January 18, 2026, Scholes and Butt have yet to respond publicly, having skipped the derby despite recent attendances at other fixtures. A resolution might involve discreet dialogues, perhaps facilitated by the club to mend fences and promote harmony. Martinez’s open invitation could prompt such a meeting, turning tension into mutual understanding. Without action, however, the rift might widen, straining ties between eras and potentially distracting the squad. For Scholes and Butt, an apology could restore goodwill, while Martinez stands to gain from sustained focus on his play. Monitoring upcoming media slots or official announcements will reveal if this simmers down or escalates, influencing how ex-players engage moving forward.

Wider Ramifications: Effects on Team Dynamics, Commentary Standards, and Athlete Well-Being

This showdown carries implications far beyond the individuals, affecting United’s internal vibe amid managerial shifts. The derby boost under Carrick hints at renewed vigor, but persistent external critiques could undermine progress, as Martinez highlighted a fresh team mindset. In the realm of analysis, it prompts reflection on when humor tips into harm, recalling similar size-based doubts overcome by greats like Puyol. It also ties into mental health dialogues in sports, with Martinez advocating resilience against barbs. For the game at large, Martinez’s stats against top threats—maintaining clean sheets in most clashes—challenge stereotypes, potentially fostering more balanced views. Ultimately, this could elevate standards, encouraging constructive input that uplifts rather than divides, benefiting everyone from players to pundits.

Wrapping Up: Insights on Unity and Determination in Football

The exchange between Lisandro Martinez and the duo of Scholes and Butt exemplifies the fiery essence of elite sport. Stemming from doubts about physical attributes, it culminated in a stellar performance and a call for directness, reshaping perceptions of critique. While settlements loom uncertain, the episode has unified fans, scrutinized media ethics, and showcased player fortitude. It serves as a reminder that true prowess shines through deeds, not words, bridging old and new at Manchester United. As the season unfolds, this story may inspire greater respect across the board. We shall keep an eye on developments in this captivating saga.