Overview
- Before the Manchester derby, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt joked on their podcast that an Erling Haaland versus Lisandro Martínez matchup was a mismatch, with Butt and Scholes making size-based gags.
- Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford, with Martínez delivering a standout defensive display that helped keep Haaland quiet.
- After the match, Martínez said Scholes could say whatever he wanted but invited him to address any criticism face to face at his home or the training ground.
- Scholes replied on Instagram with a lighthearted message to Martínez, and no in-person meeting has been reported.
- Coverage notes this back-and-forth as part of an ongoing tension, recalling Scholes’ 2025 claim that an unnamed United player sought a meeting over his remarks but never followed up.