Lisandro Martinez’s future at Manchester United has been called into question following his extraordinary criticism of the club’s management and there are genuine doubts whether the Argentine defender’s contract will be extended when it expires in the summer.
United will focus on revamping their defense in the upcoming transfer windows and will have the formal option to extend Martinez’s stay for another year.
Sky Sports News he has also been told that United are looking for new centre-backs as well as left-backs.
United chiefs have yet to decide whether to discipline Martinez for his comments, when he said: “I expect more from our technical director (meaning director of football Jason Wilcox). We expect more from the top, from the top, to bring in more players to compete.”
Sky Sports News There is said to be anger and surprise at what Martinez said, both in the United boardroom and in the dressing room, with at least one other player challenging him over his comments as the team boarded the plane to fly back to Manchester.
The implication that Martinez doesn’t think his teammates are good enough to compete hasn’t gone down well with other players.
Martinez has been keen on a move away from Old Trafford for some time.
In the summer, he pushed for a move to Atletico Madridthe team that beat United in the Champions League last night, to follow his good friend and international team-mate, Christian Romerowho left Spurs for Spain.
No suitable offer for Martinez came for Manchester United to consider.
The 28-year-old made similarly explosive comments about his bosses when he was at Ajax in 2022. Martinez, who again wanted to leave, called their sporting director Gerry Hamstra a “nobody”.
Martinez remains a key part of Michael Carrick’s squad and United’s management know they must handle this situation with care.
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Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been asked about Lisandro Martinez’s criticism of the club’s transfer strategy following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Should a rift develop, it could cause serious problems for United’s defence, which has already been damaged by injury and suspension.
Heaven Ayden started out of position at left back against Atletico.
Lenny Yorowho was sent off at the Metropolitano Stadium, will now face a one-match European ban and the 33-year-old Harry Maguire’s game time is being managed to avoid overcrowding.
Luke Shaw is out injured with an unspecified return date, and his other options in the role, Patrick Dorgu AND Noussair Mazraouithey are also absent with fitness issues.
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Football pundits react to Lisandro Martinez’s comments aimed at Manchester United’s hierarchy following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Why can’t Man Utd spend big?
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett:
“Man Utd is not the powerhouse of world football that it once was. Yes, they made record revenues of £678m, but they still made a pre-tax loss of £47m and are paying interest on loans of £70m.
“We know they are heavily indebted to the Glazers. They don’t have the huge sums to spend like Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea do, for example.
“They have come up with a very specific transfer strategy. Two summers ago that focused on the front line, this summer was about midfield because they only had Kobbie Mainoo left as their senior midfielder when Casemiro left.
“By the way, the three midfielders they brought in all started last night. £156m was spent on them, and they’re all integral to Man Utd going forward.
“In the next transfer window, they will focus on defence. But many fans have asked how they can get through this season with Luke Shaw as their only left-back.
“It’s a fair argument. Man Utd will come back and say they wouldn’t spend money on a stopper when they sign a new left-back in the summer because we’ll be left with big-paid players who won’t play.
“They couldn’t afford Myles Lewis-Skelly or Lewis Hall, who are their real targets at that position.
“There is a concern at the moment between Man Utd’s financial reality and their strategy going forward.
“They won’t listen to the supporters’ noise, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are understandably frustrated that some of their rivals are going out and spending big when they just can’t do that now.”