By Adegboyega Adeleye
Lisandro Martinez’s future at Manchester United is in doubt following his public criticism of the club’s hierarchy over its transfer strategy, according to Sky Sports.
The Argentine defender’s contract expires next summer, although United have the option to extend his stay for another year. However, the club’s hierarchy has yet to decide whether to exercise that option amid growing uncertainty over his future.
Martinez criticised United’s recruitment during the summer transfer window, saying he expected more from the club’s leadership to strengthen the squad.
“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,” he said.
Sky Sports News reported that Martinez’s comments had sparked anger and bemusement among United officials and players, with at least one teammate challenging him over his remarks as the squad prepared to return to Manchester.
His comments were also interpreted as questioning whether his teammates were good enough to compete, an implication that reportedly did not go down well within the dressing room. It is also understood that there is no pressure on Wilcox internally regarding his position.
Martinez has been keen to leave Old Trafford for some time and pushed for a move to Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window, to follow his good friend and international teammate, Cristian Romero, who left Spurs for Spain. However, Manchester United received no suitable offer to consider.
The 28-year-old was reportedly interested in joining the Spanish side, who defeated United 2-0 in the Champions League, but a transfer did not materialise.
The defender previously made similar outspoken comments about club officials while at Ajax in 2022, when he reportedly described sporting director Gerry Hamstra as a “nobody” amid his desire to leave.
Despite the uncertainty, Martinez remains an important member of Michael Carrick’s squad, and United’s hierarchy is aware of the need to handle the situation carefully.
Any deterioration in relations could create further problems for United’s defence, which is already affected by injuries and suspensions.
Ayden Heaven played out of position at left-back against Atletico Madrid, while Leny Yoro’s sending-off in the match means he will serve a one-game European suspension.
Harry Maguire’s playing time is also being managed to avoid overloading the 33-year-old, while Luke Shaw remains injured without a specified return date.
Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui are also unavailable because of fitness issues.
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