Manchester United’s relationship with its legendary Class of ’92 remains as influential as it is complex. Recent tensions involving first-team defender Lisandro Martinez and former club icons Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have once again highlighted the uneasy balance between reverence, criticism and modern football realities at Old Trafford.

The exchange, sparked on The Good, The Bad, The Football podcast, offers a revealing snapshot of how United’s past and present continue to collide.

Martinez, Butt and Scholes: A Modern Flashpoint

Ahead of the Manchester derby, Butt and Scholes jokingly suggested that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland would physically dominate Martinez, a comment that did not go unnoticed by the Argentine defender.

After United’s impressive 2-0 victory over City at Old Trafford, Martinez responded publicly, saying:
“Everyone can talk on the television, but when you see them here face to face, no-one says anything.”

The comments escalated a light-hearted remark into a broader discussion about respect, accountability and the pressure of playing for a club of United’s stature.

Speaking again on the same podcast, Butt acknowledged Martinez’s performance but criticised his reaction.

“Fair play to him,” Butt said.
“He’s gone man-to-man with the best centre forward in the world and done brilliantly. But when someone gets so upset about something said on a podcast and reacts like that — grow up.

“If you’re going to get emotional about criticism, you shouldn’t be at a big football club.”

Scholes revealed the tension was not new, adding that Martinez had previously messaged him privately after another comment, claiming he had “lost all respect” for the former midfielder.

The Weight of the Class of ’92 Legacy

Few groups in football history carry the influence of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, and brothers Gary and Phil Neville.

Between them, the Class of ’92 made 3,448 appearances for Manchester United, forming the backbone of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Treble-winning side in 1999. Their success reshaped English football and established an enduring blueprint for youth development.

That legacy gives their opinions weight — whether players want it or not.

From Dressing Room to Boardroom

After retirement, several members of the Class of ’92 transitioned into coaching, management and club leadership roles.

• Ryan Giggs served as interim manager in 2014 and later assistant to Louis van Gaal
• Butt, Scholes and Phil Neville coached under Giggs
• Nicky Butt became United’s head of academy in 2016, leaving in 2021

Few figures are more qualified to speak about United’s youth identity. Butt’s passion for academy football remains evident. In December, he coached underprivileged children in Moss Side on behalf of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, even skipping a Premier League fixture to do so.

However, that passion has not always aligned with the club’s modern direction.

Friction Behind the Scenes

Butt has previously clashed with club officials over the philosophy of youth development, strongly opposing suggestions that development should come at the expense of winning.

More recently, he claimed United threatened to cancel his season ticket, a move that raised eyebrows given his history at the club.

Yet, at the same time, the club has strengthened ties elsewhere.

Three days before Butt’s charity appearance, United announced a partnership with UA92, the university founded by the Class of ’92 in 2019, confirming Old Trafford as a campus site.

Hotel Football and Media Influence

The Class of ’92 also co-own Hotel Football, located just steps from Old Trafford. The venue regularly hosts matchday events and media appearances, reinforcing their presence in United’s orbit.

Ironically, United once attempted to block the hotel’s construction — a reminder that tensions have existed long before podcasts and social media.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville’s role as a Sky Sports pundit and podcast host ensures United are rarely out of the spotlight. His opinions are widely consumed and, at times, controversial.

Former United head coach Ruben Amorim even cited Neville as someone whose views were given too much weight internally — a claim that sparked debate following Amorim’s dismissal.

Club Response: “They’re Part of the Family”

Despite the occasional friction, United’s hierarchy insists the relationship is healthy.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Neville dismissed the idea of ongoing conflict.

“There were causes for concern a few years ago, but that’s been smoothed over,” he said.
“We’re desperate for the club to succeed. We’re frustrated when they lose.”

United chief operating officer Collette Roche echoed that sentiment.

“The Class of ’92 are part of our family,” she said.
“Our relationship goes far deeper than the latest headline or podcast.”

The Real Issue: Players Still Listen

While club officials may see criticism as background noise, modern players often don’t.

Martinez’s reaction demonstrated that voices from United’s past still carry emotional weight inside the dressing room — especially when criticism becomes personal or public.

As Scholes put it:
“The problem is, players don’t ignore it.”

A Delicate Balance Between Past and Present

Manchester United’s identity is inseparable from its history, and the Class of ’92 remain symbols of what the club once was — and hopes to be again.

But as football evolves, so does the challenge of managing legacy voices in an era of instant reaction, social media scrutiny and fragile dressing-room dynamics.

For United, the task is not silencing its legends — but ensuring their influence inspires rather than destabilises a new generation trying to restore glory at Old Trafford.