Lisandro Martinez’s future at Manchester United is in doubt after the Argentine defender publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy, and there are real questions over whether his contract will be extended when it expires in the summer. United have the formal option to extend his stay by a further year.
Martinez’s criticism of the club
United’s bosses have yet to decide whether to discipline Martinez for his comments. He 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.”
It is understood that there is anger and bemusement at what Martinez said, both in the United boardroom and in the changing room. At least one other player challenged him over his comments as the squad boarded the plane back to Manchester. The implication that Martinez does not think his team-mates are good enough to compete has not gone down well with others in the squad. It is also understood that there is no internal pressure on Wilcox regarding his position.
Martinez remains a key part of Michael Carrick’s squad, and United’s bosses know they must handle the situation carefully. A growing rift could cause serious problems in a defence already weakened by injury and suspension.
Martinez’s desire to leave
Martinez has been keen on a move away from Old Trafford for some time. In the summer, he pushed for a move to Atletico Madrid, the side that beat United in the Champions League, so he could follow his good friend and international team-mate Cristian Romero, who left Tottenham for Spain. No suitable bid for Martinez came in for United to consider.
The 28-year-old made similar explosive comments about his bosses while at Ajax in 2022. He again wanted to leave and called their sporting director Gerry Hamstra a “nobody”.
A defence under pressure
United’s defence is already stretched. Ayden Heaven started out of position at left-back against Atletico. Leny Yoro, who was sent off at the Metropolitano Stadium, will now serve a one-game European ban. Harry Maguire, who is 33, has his game-time managed to avoid overloading him.
Luke Shaw is out injured with no specified return date. His other options in the role, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui, are also absent with fitness issues. United are looking at new centre-backs as well as left-backs in the next transfer windows.
Why United cannot spend big
One analysis of the club’s position argued that Manchester United are no longer the powerhouse of world football they once were. The club recorded record revenues of £678m but still posted a pre-tax loss of £47m and pays interest on loans of £70m. The club also has huge debts to the Glazers, and does not have the funds that Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea have to spend.
The analysis noted that United have pursued a specific transfer strategy. Two summers ago the focus was on the frontline, while this summer it was on midfield, as Kobbie Mainoo was their only senior midfielder left when Casemiro departed. The three midfielders signed this summer all started against Atletico, at a combined cost of £156m. The analysis added that many fans are asking how United can get through this season with Shaw as their only senior left-back. United are likely to argue that they will not spend money on a stopgap when they plan to sign a new left-back in the summer. The club cannot afford Myles Lewis-Skelly or Lewis Hall, who are their real targets in that position.
Merson: a sad situation
Paul Merson said that a good defence is essential. “If you’re not solid in defence, it’s all going to fall apart. You don’t build a house on a puddle and it’s the same as a football team.”
Merson also questioned some of the recent signings. He said he likes Carlos Baleba from Brighton, though he is young, and is a fan of Youri Tielemans. However, he admitted he was “a bit shocked” by the Andrey Santos signing. “It’s sad that Manchester United can’t afford these players,” he said. “They’re one of the biggest clubs in world football and they’re not able to afford a Myles Lewis-Skelly or a Lewis Hall.”
He reflected on the club’s decline from where it was 20 years ago. “It’s quite sad really, where Man Utd have gone to now from where they were 20 years ago, when they were one of the greatest teams we’ve seen. It’s sad, very sad.” Merson concluded: “Man Utd are in that ‘looking for deals’ situation. They’re the Arthur Daley of the top teams at the moment. They’re wheeling and dealing and other teams are buying the already-made product. Man Utd are buying players who might be good.”