Argentinian media link Martinez's shaky Argentina display to his Man United struggles

Lisandro Martinez received lukewarm ratings from Argentinian media after featuring in Argentina’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Uruguay, with multiple outlets drawing a direct line between his troubled Manchester United form and an unconvincing display alongside centre-back partner Leonardo Balerdi.

The result marked an underwhelming start to Argentina’s post-Lionel Messi era. Balerdi had a nightmare outing that included an early second-half own goal, and Maximiliano Araujo quickly doubled Uruguay’s lead before Julián Álvarez pulled one back for the hosts.

TyC Sports awarded Martinez 5/10, writing: “He’s not enjoying his best form at United, and it showed somewhat in his confidence and understanding with his centre-back partner. While he didn’t make any major errors, his involvement in Uruguay’s first goal wasn’t his best and didn’t live up to his other excellent performances. He had to be overly alert in his tackles due to Balerdi’s poor positioning.”

Olé was marginally kinder with a 6/10, noting: “He avoided some headaches with several timely interceptions when tracking back. He was solid when called upon to play out from the back. He was unlucky on Uruguay’s opening goal, with a headed clearance that struck Balerdi and left keeper Geronimo Rulli with no chance.”

La Nacion also gave him 5/10 for a “mixed performance”, adding: “The Manchester United centre-back alternated between winning and losing duels. He tried, as always, to provide a clean outlet and advance the ball when Uruguay allowed it. He didn’t look out of place and wasn’t responsible for the goals.”

Martinez’s club season has been turbulent. He has struggled for form, publicly criticised director of football Jason Wilcox, and picked up a red card against Chelsea. After serving his suspension in the defeat to Aston Villa, he will be available for United’s trip to Liverpool on 22 November.

Argentina close out the international break with a home friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday, after which Martinez returns to Manchester to begin work under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who officially takes charge on Wednesday.

With Martinez entering the final year of his contract, his future at Old Trafford is increasingly uncertain. Barcelona have been mentioned as a potential destination, and a January departure remains a possibility unless Pochettino can restore the 28-year-old’s confidence and form.