Paul Scholes has refused to back down from his controversial remarks about Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez, despite the 28-year-old Argentine silencing Erling Haaland during the Red Devils' 2-0 triumph over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Speaking on Sky's The Overlap, the former United midfielder was unrepentant when given the opportunity to retract his earlier criticism.
"No, I'm not apologising for it, no," Scholes stated.
The club legend conceded that his choice of words left something to be desired but stood firm on his underlying assessment.
"The thing we were trying to say was, we thought, and it still is, physically, it's a mismatch," he explained.
Scholes acknowledged that the phrasing on his podcast with Nicky Butt was regrettable, admitting he understood why Martinez took offence.
"I can see why he was offended by it, and that's why I say we probably worded it not in a great way," he said.
Lisandro Martinez was outstanding in Manchester United's win over Manchester City on Saturday after being criticised by Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt | GETTYHowever, the former England international pointed to the defender's recent inconsistencies to justify his scepticism.
"He's had one good game. How many, two? I hope to God he proves me wrong, but look at the week before against Brighton, Danny Welbeck [scores]. Look at the week before that, Burnley. He gave the goal away against Burnley."
Scholes insisted he wants to see Martinez maintain his derby form throughout an entire campaign, with Sunday's fixture against Arsenal representing another significant test.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSMartinez responded defiantly following the derby victory, challenging the former midfielder to confront him directly rather than through television appearances.
"Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don't care," the Argentine declared.
"Everyone can talk on the television but when you sit here face to face, no one says anything in your face."
Scholes subsequently reached out to Martinez on social media with a light-hearted message acknowledging the defender's performance.
"Someone's had a good game, was really happy for you. Tea, no sugar pls @lisandromartinezzz," he wrote.
Butt dismissed the backlash against their podcast remarks, characterising the comments as casual banter rather than serious analysis.
Lisandro Martinez has been a key player for Manchester United since his arrival from Ajax | PA"For me, we are a podcast, and we talk like three lads in a pub having a conversation. We are not on Sky doing commentary on a game," he explained.
"It is tongue in cheek, and it is quite obvious that Haaland is not going to pick him up and run with him. It is f****** obvious, that. It is a figure of speech."
The former United midfielder was critical of Martinez's reaction, suggesting the defender needs thicker skin if he intends to remain at Old Trafford.
"F****** grow up," Butt added, while emphasising there was no personal animosity towards the Argentine.