Martinez ready to leave United over recruitment failures, tactical frustration and logistics concerns

Lisandro Martinez is willing to leave Manchester United at the end of his contract, with the Argentine defender harbouring grievances over three distinct issues: the club’s recruitment shortcomings, the manner of their Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, and the logistics surrounding away fixtures.

Martinez has 12 months remaining on his current deal, and while an extension option exists, he is open to departing — with Spain understood to be his preferred destination. His discontent became public following United’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid, when he made pointed remarks about squad depth, stating that “you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.”

The defender’s frustration centres first on transfers. Director of football Jason Wilcox oversaw four senior signings in the summer window — Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in midfield, plus goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free — but United failed to add a striker or a left-back despite persistent injury problems in both positions. The absence of a natural centre-forward has left Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo deputising up front, while teenager Ayden Heaven filled in at left-back against Atlético in place of the injured Luke Shaw. According to The Athletic, senior players beyond Martinez also feel let down by Wilcox’s efforts in the window.

The second grievance relates to the Carabao Cup tie at Brighton, where United led 2-0 inside 10 minutes before conceding three without reply to lose. Martinez is said to be unhappy with how the team approached the game once in front, feeling the side were not positive enough and that the collapse was avoidable.

Third, Martinez holds concerns about the organisation of away trips, believing logistics have been poorly managed due to insufficient oversight from those above the coaching staff. It has been noted that the defender takes a close interest in such operational matters — reportedly with ambitions to become a sporting director after his playing career ends.

Martinez has since issued two public statements, the more recent of which included an apology and confirmed he had spoken with manager Michael Carrick and club leadership. “Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager. It was a very positive conversation,” he said, though his long-term future at Old Trafford remains unresolved.