Lisandro Martinez’s Manchester United future is in doubt after the defender publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy, with uncertainty over whether his contract will be extended beyond the summer.
United have a formal option to prolong the Argentina international’s stay for another year, but the club are expected to prioritise strengthening their defence in the next transfer windows. New centre-backs and left-backs are being considered.
The club have yet to decide whether Martinez will face disciplinary action over comments made after United’s Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.
Martinez said: “I expect more from our technical director (meaning director of football, Jason Wilcox). We expect more from the top, from upstairs, to bring in more players to compete.”
His remarks have reportedly caused anger and bemusement among senior figures at United and within the dressing room. At least one team-mate challenged the 28-year-old over what he had said as the squad boarded the flight back to Manchester.
The suggestion that the current squad is not strong enough to compete has not been well received by other players, while Martinez’s comments have also raised questions about his long-term commitment to the club.
The defender has wanted to leave Old Trafford for some time. During the summer, he pushed for a move to Atletico Madrid, who defeated United in the Champions League, in order to join his close friend and Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero. No suitable offer arrived for United to consider.
Martinez has previously made outspoken comments about senior figures at a former club. While at Ajax in 2022, he called sporting director Gerry Hamstra a “nobody” as he sought a move away.
Despite the latest dispute, Martinez remains an important member of Michael Carrick’s squad. United’s hierarchy must therefore handle the situation carefully, particularly with their defensive options already stretched by injuries and suspension.
Ayden Heaven played at left-back against Atletico Madrid, while Leny Yoro will miss one European match after being sent off. Harry Maguire’s minutes are being managed, and Luke Shaw is injured without a specified return date.
Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui are also unavailable because of fitness issues, leaving United with limited alternatives as they consider a wider overhaul of their defence.
