PAUL SCHOLES SAYS MAN UNITED WILL NEVER WIN LEAGUE WITH MAGUIRE AND MARTINEZ

Paul Scholes, a former Manchester United midfielder, has said the club will never win the Premier League for as long as Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez continue to form the club's first-choice central defensive pairing, according to reports of his comments. Scholes argued that United would need to replace both players before they could realistically challenge for the title. The remarks were made amid wider reporting of tension at the club. Martinez has reportedly been the subject of separate scrutiny after criticising United's transfer strategy, with his comments said to have referenced the club official Jason Wilcox.

The claim follows a 2-0 defeat for Manchester United away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, after which players reportedly apologised to supporters for their performance. Reports said Amad Diallo made a public social media post following Martinez's comments, while former United captain Wayne Rooney was reported to have said he feared the dressing room could be "ripped apart" by the fallout. Martinez's contract situation has also been highlighted, with reports stating his current deal is set to expire within eight months. Manchester United have not issued any public statement addressing Scholes' specific claim about Maguire and Martinez, according to the available reporting.

No further comment from Manchester United, Maguire or Martinez has been reported in response to Scholes' remarks. Reports differ on the scale of disruption within the squad, with some accounts describing broader unrest and others focusing narrowly on Martinez's criticism of recruitment policy. It remains unclear from current reporting whether the club's coaching staff plan to change the defensive pairing. Further reaction is expected to follow before United's next fixtures, according to ongoing coverage.