Chris Davie
Published January 15, 2026 11:30pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Paul Scholes is concerned for Lisandro Martinez ahead of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford (The Good, The Bad and The Football)
Paul Scholes believes Erling Haaland will target Lisandro Martinez during Manchester United’s Premier League match against Manchester City on Saturday.
Michael Carrick is set for a tough test in his first game as United’s interim head coach as his side host City at Old Trafford in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
For the derby against City, Carrick is expected to stick with a back four which Darren Fletcher used in the 2-2 draw with Burnley, as well as in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Martinez started in both of those matches but Scholes is concerned that Haaland, who has already scored 20 goals in the Premier League this season, will dominate the Argentine World Cup winner.
‘I actually always fancied us over the last few years when we used to play counter-attack against them, with Rashford up front and the speed, I don’t think we’ve got that now,’ Nicky Butt said on The Good, The Bad and The Football.
Lisandro Martinez could face Erling Haaland once again in the Manchester derby this weekend (Getty)
‘I don’t think we’ve got the pace up there now to play counter-attack.’
Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!
As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.
Click here and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Our journalists work hard to deliver the most important stories from around the world
Haaland’s threat was then raised during the conversation, with Scholes asking: ‘Who have we got to stop him?’
More Trending
-
Man Utd release funds to sign £20m star for new boss Michael Carrick
Channel: Football Football 2 days ago By Louis Sealey - Ruben Amorim told Man Utd to re-sign £18m striker before his sacking
- Michael Carrick told Ruben Amorim signing is 'not good enough' to start for Man Utd
- Jamie Redknapp claims Bukayo Saka is a 'major problem' for Arsenal star after Chelsea win
Butt replied: ‘Do you reckon they’ll throw Harry [Maguire] straight in? They’re going to have to, aren’t they? But if Haaland goes against Martinez…’
Scholes said: ‘There’s every chance he [Haaland] will target him [Martinez], of course he will.’
Butt added: ‘To be fair, no one can handle him [Haaland]. He’s that good, that powerful, he’s just ridiculous.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arrow MORE: Gary Neville names three-man shortlist to be next Manchester United manager
Arrow MORE: I thought Mikel Arteta needed to replace £27m Arsenal star – I was wrong
Arrow MORE: Paul Merson’s Premier League predictions, including Man Utd v Man City and Forest v Arsenal
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Football Newsletter – In The MixerPunchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.
Team Expand Options ? Select All Select All Arsenal Arsenal Aston Villa Aston Villa Bournemouth Bournemouth Brighton Brighton Burnley Burnley Chelsea Chelsea Crystal Palace Crystal Palace Everton Everton Fulham Fulham Leeds United Leeds United Liverpool Liverpool Manchester City Manchester City Manchester United Manchester United Newcastle Newcastle Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest Sunderland Sunderland Tottenham Tottenham West Ham West Ham Wolves Wolves Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy