Lisandro Martinez's Manchester United future has been thrown into serious doubt after his public criticism of the club's hierarchy. The defender's contract at Old Trafford is now in its final year, though the club have an option to extend it by a further 12 months until June 2028.
According to The Athletic, Martinez does not want an extended contract, while the club are also uncertain about activating the extension clause. Should the Argentine leave, La Liga would be his preferred next destination.
Contract negotiations stall
Martinez had been seeking fresh terms on improved wages since lifting the World Cup during his debut campaign at the club, but negotiations have struggled to come close to an agreement.
The 28-year-old has experienced a change of heart and accused United of a lack of ambition, while also taking aim at the club's director of football during two separate post-match interviews following Tuesday evening's 2-0 Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid.
Martinez's post-match criticism
Speaking initially to Prime Video, Martinez said: "Really poor performance, really poor. I have to control myself a lot.
"But sometimes it is the reflection, the mirror, for our club at the moment. A fantastic season last season, but now we are far from the top. We have to bring in more players to compete. Look at Atletico, they had an amazing team, they deserved to win.
"I expect more, from everyone. More investment? Yes, 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director, I have to be honest."
Martinez then continued: "As players, we have to do more, but it's also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this sort of night.
"Last season we created a base to build an amazing team, but this is something to be honest. It's annoying, to come here with my team and not trying to get an amazing result."
When quizzed on whether United head coach Michael Carrick had been given sufficient backing during the summer transfer window, he responded: "I don't think so.
"He does his best, but every season is different. Teams know how you play, every detail. If you don't change each season, it's a big problem.
"Changing, changing, changing manager? What about other areas? I can't say more. It's easy to blame the coach, it's easy to blame the players, but what about other areas?"
Martinez stands by remarks
Martinez stood firmly behind the remarks he had made to Prime Video in a separate interview with CBS Sports. Those close to the Argentine reportedly claimed that Martinez would have expressed the same views regardless of how long remained on his contract.
In a statement posted on social media on Wednesday night, Martinez sought to soften the blow of his outburst, writing on Instagram: "After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted.
"Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don't go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
"My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
"When I talk about wanting more, I'm talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club.
"To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me."
