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 next summer. United have the formal option to extend his stay for a further year, but they have yet to decide whether to discipline him for his comments.
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.”
United are expected to focus on strengthening their defence in the next transfer windows, and it has been reported that they are looking at new centre-backs as well as left-backs.
Anger in the boardroom and dressing room
It has been reported that there is anger and bemusement at Martinez’s comments, both in the United boardroom and in the changing room. At least one other player challenged him over his remarks as the squad boarded the plane back to Manchester. The implication that Martinez does not believe his team-mates are good enough to compete has not gone down well across the squad.
Despite the frustration, there is no internal pressure on director of football Jason Wilcox regarding his position. United’s bosses know they must handle the situation carefully, because a growing rift could cause serious problems for a defence already weakened by injury and suspension.
Martinez’s desire to leave
Martinez has been keen to leave Old Trafford for some time. In the summer, he pushed for a move to Atletico Madrid, following his close friend and international team-mate Cristian Romero, who left Tottenham for Spain. No suitable bid for Martinez arrived for United to consider.
The 28-year-old made similarly explosive comments about his bosses while at Ajax in 2022. He again wanted to leave on that occasion and called the club’s sporting director, Gerry Hamstra, a “nobody”. Despite his latest outburst, Martinez remains a key part of Michael Carrick’s squad.
A defence under pressure
United’s back line is already stretched. Ayden Heaven started out of position at left-back against Atletico Madrid. Leny Yoro, who was sent off at the Metropolitano Stadium, will now serve a one-match European ban. Harry Maguire, 33, has his game-time managed to avoid overloading him.
Luke Shaw is out injured with no confirmed return date. His other options at left-back, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui, are also unavailable with fitness issues.
Why United cannot spend big
One analyst explained that United are no longer the financial powerhouse they once were. The club recorded record revenues of £678m but still posted a pre-tax loss of £47m, and it is paying interest on loans totalling £70m. United owe huge debts to the Glazers and do not have the funds that Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea can commit in the transfer market.
The club’s recent strategy has been specific. Two summers ago, it focused on the frontline. This summer, it targeted midfield, since Kobbie Mainoo was the only senior midfielder left after Casemiro departed. The three midfielders United signed, costing a combined £156m, all started against Atletico Madrid, and the analyst described them as integral to the club’s future.
The analyst added that many fans are asking how United can get through this season with Luke Shaw as their only senior left-back. United are likely to argue that they will not spend on a stopgap when they plan to sign a new left-back in the summer, as that would leave them with high-earning players who would not play. Their real targets in that position, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall, are beyond their current reach.
Merson: a sad situation
Another commentator agreed that a solid defence must come first. “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.”
He praised Carlos Baleba of Brighton, although he noted the midfielder is young, and said he admired Youri Tielemans. He admitted he was surprised by the signing of Andrey Santos, adding that he did not see enough from him last season to understand why United had signed him.
He lamented the club’s decline from the years when it was one of the greatest teams in the world. “It’s sad that Manchester United can’t afford these players. They probably sell more shirts than anyone else. If you go anywhere in the world, people have Man Utd shirts on. It’s sad, the way it’s gone.”
He also argued that rival clubs are buying finished players, while United are buying players who might become good. “Other teams are buying one player for the amount of money that United are buying three midfield players for. Man Utd are in that ‘looking for deals’ situation. They’re the Arthur Daley of the top teams at the moment.”