Lisandro Martinez's Manchester United future is in doubt as the club weigh repercussions for his post-match interview in which he criticised director of football Jason Wilcox.
Outburst after Champions League defeat
United's poor start to the campaign worsened on Tuesday night as they lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, after Leny Yoro was sent off late on.
Speaking at full-time, Martinez gave an 'unprecedented' interview to Amazon Prime in which he criticised Wilcox for failing to properly invest in United's squad over the summer transfer window. He also questioned the level of effort from some team-mates in the defeat at the Metropolitano, saying the squad is "not good enough".
Team-mates react
Martinez's comments have reportedly bred animosity among his team-mates, despite the sentiment being shared by several senior members of the squad. One unnamed United player reportedly challenged Martinez to his face as the squad flew back to Manchester.
United are yet to settle on a short-term sanction for Martinez, with Sky Sports suggesting he could be in line for a fine or a suspension, though his days at the club now seem to be numbered.
Contract and transfer situation
The centre-back's contract expires in the summer, and his days are said to be numbered. Martinez pushed to leave United over the summer amid interest from Atletico, but United received no satisfactory bid. It remains to be seen whether he will be offered a new deal, with United known to be preparing a defensive overhaul for the coming transfer windows.
It does not appear likely he would leave in January, though, with United's defence already in the grips of an availability crisis. Sky's reporting adds Wilcox's job is not under any immediate pressure.
Martinez was not the only United player to speak out at full-time, with Amad Diallo adding on his Snapchat story that the performance was "a f****** disgrace."
Season so far
Martinez has been a mainstay in United's back line this season, appearing in all but one of their matches so far. United's poor start has also brought Michael Carrick's position into question, with reports suggesting the club is lining up Fabian Hurzeler, Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte as replacement candidates. He is also not thought to be facing the sack any time soon, though.
