Martinez future in huge doubt as Man Utd teammates 'challenge' defender after outburst

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Suraj Radia | Editor

Lisandro Martinez’s future at Manchester United has come into question after his explosive comments about the club’s hierarchy, with ‘real doubts’ emerging over whether the defender’s contract will be renewed when it expires next year.

Martinez caused a stir by criticising the club’s transfer business and stating he ‘expected more’ after United’s loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Several of Martinez’s teammates are believed to share his concerns over the club’s apparent lack of ambition, however Sky Sports News report that there is also ‘anger and bemusement’ in both the boardroom and dressing room over his interview.

At least one of Martinez’s teammates is claimed to have challenged him over his comments, while the implication that the players are not good enough to compete has not gone down well with some, the report states.

United have an option to extend Martinez’s contract until 2028 but the club will be focused on revamping their defence next summer, which could see them let them 28-year-old leave on a free.

The club’s bosses are also yet to decide whether to discipline Martinez for his comments, although Director of Football Jason Wilcox’s job is thought to be safe despite the criticism from the Argentine international.

Lisandro Martinez: Man Utd wary of situation regarding wantaway star

Martinez is believed to have been pushing to leave United for some time, particularly to Atletico, to follow his friend and international compatriot Cristian Romero, who joined the club from Tottenham this summer.

No suitable bid arrived for Martinez during the summer and United are aware that they need to handle the situation delicately in order to protect Michael Carrick by not causing more disarray with one of his most important stars.

Martinez also previously made similar comments while at Ajax when looking to leave the club in 2022, calling the club’s sporting director Gerry Hamstra ‘a nobody’.

Therefore, some at United believe that Martinez’s outburst is another way for the defender to find a move next summer, however the situation could also boil over if more players do find themselves agreeing with the 38-cap international.