Lisandro Martinez’s Manchester United future in doubt after outburst against director of football

Lisandro Martinez’s Manchester United future is reportedly uncertain after his post-match remarks following Tuesday night’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid, according to The Athletic. His contract at Old Trafford is close to expiry and United hold an option to extend it by 12 months, until June 2028.

The Athletic reports Martinez does not want to remain at Manchester United and that the club are unclear about triggering the one-year extension. The report adds the Argentine defender would favour a move to Spain if he leaves. Since competing at the FIFA World Cup, Martinez has sought a new deal with improved terms, but those negotiations have not advanced, the report says.

Following the defeat at Atletico Madrid, the 28-year-old gave two post-match interviews in which he accused United of lacking ambition and attacked the club’s director of football. In a second interview with CBS Sports Martinez reiterated remarks he had made to Prime Video. Those comments followed the team’s 2-0 loss in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Athletic also reported Martinez would have said the same thing even if he had five years left on his contract and was not trying to force a move away from the club. A social media post cited by outlets quoted The Athletic’s summary: "Lisandro Martínez does not want his contract with Manchester United extended. He is looking for an exit from the club, and United also have doubts about triggering the option to extend it by another year." — @TheAthleticFC

Martinez later posted a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night attempting to temper his comments. "After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted," he wrote. "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," Martinez continued. "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."

United’s next Premier League fixture is against Leeds United on Sunday at Elland Road, and it is not yet known whether Michael Carrick will select Martinez for that match.