Lisandro Martinez is unhappy with Manchester United's recruitment, their approach to the Brighton defeat, and logistics around away games. The Argentine defender has made his feelings public regarding transfers following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, and his future at the club is now uncertain.
Recruitment frustrations
Director of football Jason Wilcox is in charge of transfers, with Martinez believing the club have been left short in certain positions. This has led to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo playing up front in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, while Ayden Heaven filled in for Luke Shaw against Atletico.
Shaw's injury forced another makeshift solution for Michael Carrick, with Martinez stating that "you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night". It is not just the United defender who is disappointed by the lack of summer signings, as senior players also feel let down by Wilcox's efforts, according to The Athletic.
Future uncertain
Martinez was the player who made that clear, which has made his future uncertain. He has 12 months remaining on his contract, and although there is an option to extend, he is open to leaving, with Spain his preferred destination.
A defensive rebuild would likely be needed after the summer of midfield and frontline overhauls. United made four senior signings in the past window, with Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans strengthening midfield, while Karl Darlow joined as a free agent.
Brighton defeat and away games
Due to persistent injury problems in certain areas, a striker and particularly a left-back were wanted, but United failed to strengthen in either position. A lack of options may have impacted Carrick in the defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup, with Martinez said to be frustrated at their capitulation in that game.
United were two goals up after 10 minutes but conceded three without reply to lose. It has since been stated that Martinez was not happy with how they approached the game, feeling United were not positive enough on the night.
Fixtures away from Old Trafford have also impacted Martinez, as he believes logistics have been fraught due to a lack of oversight from those above. The defender takes a particular interest in this side of the game as he wants to become a sporting director after retiring.
Apology and next steps
Martinez has issued two public statements since his outburst, with the latest including an apology and revealing he has since spoken with Carrick and club chiefs.
He said: "Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager. It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s game.
"Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity. The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the right ones, and for that I want to apologise.
"Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not help with that. I know that every single person at Manchester United is doing everything possible to achieve our shared ambition: bringing the success that this club and its supporters deserve. With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together."
