Lisandro Martinez's Manchester United career is ending in ignominy after his red card at Chelsea compounded a season of poor form, making his exit from the club increasingly likely.
The 28-year-old defender was a fan favourite at Old Trafford for a long time, earning the nickname 'the butcher' for his aggressive, no-nonsense defending. Erik ten Hag brought him from Ajax in the summer of 2022, describing him as "a warrior," and supporters quickly embraced his approach.
Red Card at Stamford Bridge
Martinez's form has been disastrous this season and reached a nadir on Saturday when he sprinted across his penalty box and clattered his forearm into Wesley Fofana. The incident was described as plastic machismo and brainless defending.
The sending-off means he will be suspended for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday, but Michael Carrick has been urged to drop him for the midweek Champions League clash with Roma as well.
A Player Going Through the Motions
Martinez's defending has been poor all season. He clearly wants out of the club, and compared to the player who brought so much to the party in his first few years at United, he looks like a player going through the motions.
His attack on the club's leadership in Madrid last month, where he called out director of football Jason Wilcox, had won him respect from supporters. But any goodwill from that has now vanished.
Defensive Options
Carrick is compromised in defence with injuries at left-back, but he could bring Matthijs de Ligt into the side to partner Harry Maguire. Leny Yoro can also move back into a central position, with Noussair Mazraoui given another chance. Ayden Heaven is also waiting in the wings.
With Carrick fighting for his job, he needs players whose commitment isn't in doubt, and at the moment he can't say that about Martinez. United should facilitate Martinez's exit in January, as his heart is clearly no longer in it in Manchester.
