Paul Scholes has doubled down on his war of words with Lisandro Martinez, telling the Manchester United defender to "grow up" over his reaction to pre-derby criticism. Scholes and Nicky Butt had mocked Martinez's size before the Manchester derby, a game United won 2-0. Martinez then challenged Scholes to speak face-to-face.

Scholes clarified his comments were "tongue-in-cheek" and not personal, noting he’d even given Martinez his number. He praised the Argentine’s performance against Manchester City but warned that reacting emotionally to media scrutiny is part of playing for a club like United. Scholes also expressed lingering doubts about whether Martinez can be a title-winning defender over a full season.

Butt backed Scholes, referencing his own experience as a teenager when Alan Hansen said United "can't win anything with kids." He suggested Martinez, at 28, should have developed a thicker skin by now. The former midfielder believes the criticism ultimately fueled Martinez’s improved display, but the defender’s mentality remains a talking point for the season ahead.