Joe Cole believes Lisandro Martinez's time at Manchester United is done after his disastrous red card against Chelsea. United are without a win in nine games after their 2-0 defeat to the Blues at Stamford Bridge and could fall into the relegation zone by the end of the weekend.
Martinez sent off after costly errors
Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half, driving through midfield, holding off challenges before producing a fine finish to beat Senne Lammens. Martinez was among those who failed to get near the England international and was booked minutes later for hauling him back having been left in a daze by his run in from the right wing.
Less than four minutes later, the Argentina international led with his forearm as he tried to mark Wesley Fofana on a set piece, with VAR reviewing the incident and awarding Chelsea a penalty. Martinez was also shown a second yellow card and given his marching orders.
Cole: 'His time is done'
The former Ajax star publicly spoke out on United's disastrous situation following the defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month, aiming his ire at United's director of football Jason Wilcox. United's form has only worsened since then, with Chelsea legend Cole tearing into his performance in west London.
Martinez's current contract expires at the end of the season, and while there is the option to extend that by a further 12 months, Cole believes his time at the club is over.
'Whatever the next Manchester United looks like, I think Lisandro Martinez has run his course,' Cole said while on co-commentary duty for TNT Sports. 'We know he's been fabulous in an Argentina shirt and achieved some wonderful things. But he's at the scene of the crime too often for Manchester United and is at fault for moments and goals like that. So I think that's probably his time done.'
At full-time, Cole added: 'This is unfathomable. He loses his rag. I think he has been muscled in the corner and he has found himself out of position and lost his rag. It's a massive mistake.'
