Lisandro Martínez reportedly wants to leave Manchester United next summer, despite holding clear-the-air talks with the club’s hierarchy after criticising technical director Jason Wilcox.
The Argentina international apologised for the timing and manner of his comments following United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atlético Madrid on Tuesday. However, a fresh report claims the defender remains unwilling to sign a new contract.
Martínez is said to be prepared to see out his current deal and depart when it expires next summer. That could leave Manchester United facing pressure to consider offers during the forthcoming transfer windows rather than risk losing him at the end of his contract.
Lisandro Martínez’s frustration over United’s left-back options
The dispute is understood to have centred on United’s failure to strengthen at left-back during the summer transfer window.
Luke Shaw’s latest injury setback has left Michael Carrick short of specialist options, with young centre-back Ayden Heaven deployed in an unfamiliar position. The 20-year-old is primarily a central defender.
Martínez reportedly viewed Heaven’s involvement in high-profile matches as an avoidable consequence of recruitment decisions. His frustration was said to have been directed at the club’s planning and at Wilcox, who is responsible for technical matters.
Although Martínez has since apologised publicly, the report claims his position has not changed and that he has no intention of extending his stay at Old Trafford.
The situation has added to concerns over tension between Manchester United’s squad and executive management. Several senior players are reportedly sympathetic to Martínez’s view that the summer recruitment strategy left Carrick’s team short of options in important areas.
