A Derby Defined by Authority

Manchester United delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League. At the heart of it all was Lisandro Martínez, whose commanding display in defense neutralized Erling Haaland and set the tone for a statement victory.

The Argentine center-back read the game perfectly, won key duels and never allowed City’s striker to settle. It was a performance built on timing, aggression and personality.

The Criticism That Set the Stage

In the build-up to the derby, former United midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt questioned whether Martínez was the right profile to handle Haaland. Scholes suggested that taller defenders like Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire would be better suited, even joking that he could imagine Haaland “throwing the 1.75-meter defender into the net.”

Butt added his own exaggerated comparison, likening the matchup to “a father chasing a small child down the street.”

Martínez Responds, Unfiltered

Martínez did his talking on the pitch first, then addressed the comments head-on after the match. The World Cup winner made it clear the criticism does not affect him, while also inviting direct confrontation rather than public commentary.

“He can say whatever he wants,” Martínez said. “I’ve already told him before, if he wants to tell me something, he can come wherever he wants, to my house, anywhere. I don’t care.”

Despite the sharp response, Martínez insisted his focus remains unchanged. “I don’t care what they say. I only concentrate on my performance, the team’s performance, and I give everything for this club until the last day.”

Social Media Epilogue

The exchange did not end there. On Sunday, Paul Scholes reacted on Instagram with a dose of irony. Sharing Martínez’s quotes, the former midfielder wrote: “Someone has had a great game. I’m really happy for you. Tea, no sugar, please.”

It was the latest chapter in a recurring dynamic. Back in November 2025, during Martínez’s injury spell, Scholes had claimed the defender was “not good enough to win the Premier League,” even when fully fit.

A New Era Under Carrick

The derby win also carried added significance for Manchester United, marking the first match under new head coach Michael Carrick following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this month. Since Carrick’s arrival, alongside a staff that includes former England assistant Steve Holland, there has been a noticeable shift in atmosphere within the squad.

Martínez highlighted Carrick’s influence and deep understanding of the club. “He has a different mentality. He knows what this club really means,” Martínez said in comments reported by The Athletic. “He was calm, smiling, very confident. And that helps a lot.”

For Manchester United, the victory was about more than the scoreline. It was a performance that sent a message inside and outside the club. For Lisandro Martínez, it was confirmation that stature is measured not in centimeters, but in presence, conviction and authority on the biggest stage.

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