Manchester United Defender Claps Back at Criticism from Red Devils Icon Amid Injury Layoff
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has fired back at club legend Paul Scholes after the former midfielder questioned the Argentine’s ability to help the Red Devils compete for the Premier League title. Martinez, currently sidelined with an ACL injury, took to Instagram to respond to Scholes’ scathing assessment of United’s squad, suggesting the ex-England star “wouldn’t survive in Argentina.”
Scholes, speaking on The Overlap, expressed deep concerns about the state of Manchester United under manager Ruben Amorim, particularly targeting the team’s defensive core. He argued that neither Martinez nor summer signing Matthijs de Ligt are good enough to propel the club to Premier League glory. “Even when Lisandro Martinez is fit, he’s not good enough to win the Premier League,” Scholes said. “Are you going to win the Premier League with De Ligt and [Leny] Yoro as your centre-halves? Is ‘quite good’ good enough for Manchester United?”
The criticism didn’t stop there. Scholes also questioned De Ligt’s career trajectory, noting that the Dutch defender has “got worse as he’s got older” and suggesting that his previous clubs “got rid of him for a reason.” He further lamented the lack of a strong spine in the team, calling for significant reinforcements in goal, defense, midfield, and attack.
Martinez, known for his fiery personality and no-nonsense style, didn’t take the comments lightly. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “This jinx guy is really hurting…. You put him in Argentina, and he wouldn’t survive.” The post quickly went viral, with fans divided over Martinez’s bold response.
The 26-year-old’s injury has been a major blow for United, as he has been a key figure in their defense when fit. His absence, coupled with Scholes’ harsh critique, has added to the growing frustration among supporters as the team struggles to find consistency this season.
Scholes also took aim at Amorim’s tactical decisions, particularly the use of new signing Patrick Dorgu at right wing-back instead of his natural left-sided position. “We’ve been crying out for a left wing-back. We buy one, and he plays him at right wing-back and keeps [Diogo] Dalot on the left. What’s going on here?” Scholes questioned.
Despite the criticism, Scholes stopped short of calling for Amorim’s dismissal, acknowledging the challenges the manager has inherited. “I’m not at the point where I’m thinking it’s the wrong decision [to appoint Amorim]. Because he’s coming into a mess, and it still feels like a mess,” he said.
As Martinez recovers from his injury, his fiery response to Scholes has added another layer of drama to an already turbulent season for Manchester United. With the club’s hierarchy facing mounting pressure to address the squad’s shortcomings, the debate over the team’s direction—and the quality of its players—shows no signs of slowing down.
For now, Martinez’s message to Scholes is clear: criticism may come with the territory, but the Argentine defender isn’t afraid to fight back.
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