FC Barcelona have reportedly identified Lisandro Martinez as an “ideal candidate” to upgrade their backline – and the Spanish giant are plotting to take advantage of Manchester United to agree

MANCHESTER UNITED legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have an ongoing feud with Lisandro Martinez. The two icons made comments about the Argentine defender in the build-up to the Red Devils’

Paul Scholes' sniping from the sidelines about Lisandro Martinez have caused a backlash in the Manchester United dressing room, which is feeling newly emboldened after the win over Manchester City

Paul Scholes has acknowledged his words about Lisandro Martinez could have been chosen better but has refused to apologise to the Manchester United defender.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has invited Paul Scholes to his house to speak face-to-face after being mocked by the club great before his excellent performance in the derby win over Manchester City.

As Manchester United prepare to face Manchester City, club legends’ criticism of Lisandro Martinez adds drama to the Premier League showdown.

Lisandro Martínez has challenged Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt to repeat their criticism to his face after the pair said Erling Haaland would make the Manchester United defender look like "a little toddler" in the Manchester derby.

Martinez was excellent defensively and was only denied a first-half assist to Bruno Fernandes after a tight offside decision. Meanwhile, Haaland was substituted to jeers from the home crowd 10 minutes from time having touched the ball just 15 times all game.

In the immediate aftermath of United’s famous Old Trafford win, Martinez took the opportunity to issue a reply to Scholes, telling the former England international he ‘didn’t care’ about his scathing remarks. ‘No, honestly, he can say whatever he wants,’ Martinez said.

The defender snapped back at Scholes, who admitted his words could have been chosen better.

Traore has taken social media swipes at Martinez in the past after the duo came head-to-head on the pitch, but the 30-year-old Spanish winger will not be available on the weekend. That is because Traore completed a £2 million move to West Ham this window, meaning his duel with Martinez is postponed… for another two weeks.