Martinez set to leave Manchester United next summer after public attack on Wilcox

Lisandro Martinez is set to leave Manchester United next summer, with the club unlikely to offer the Argentine a new deal beyond his current contract, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

The 28-year-old centre-back thrust himself into the spotlight after United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, when he publicly criticised director of football Jason Wilcox for failing to bring in enough players last summer. “I expect more from our technical director,” Martinez said in a post-match interview that sent shockwaves through the club.

United subsequently fined Martinez before he issued a public apology. He also held clear-the-air talks with Wilcox, club CEO Omar Barrada, and manager Michael Carrick.

Despite the reconciliation, Martinez’s long-term future at Old Trafford appears to be over. His current deal runs until September 2027, but United are not expected to offer an extension. Rather than risk losing him for nothing, the club are expected to trigger a 12-month option in his contract so they can command a transfer fee next summer.

The situation is part of a broader defensive overhaul United are planning, mirroring the investment they made in their attack in 2025 and midfield in the current campaign. Uncertainty also surrounds Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire. Maguire’s deal expires next summer and the club hold a similar extension clause in his contract, while Shaw’s deal — also expiring next summer — contains no such clause, leaving United more exposed.

United explored a move for Newcastle United and England left-back Lewis Hall, but Newcastle firmly rejected any approach, insisting the defender was not for sale.

In central defence, Matthijs de Ligt has not featured since November 30 due to a recurring back injury that required surgery, though he has returned to the squad for United’s last two matches and is still regarded as an important dressing room presence. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are viewed as long-term prospects, but both are considered too raw to shoulder immediate responsibility.

Martinez, who joined United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for £57 million, started the 1-1 draw at Leeds United but was withdrawn at half-time with an injury. His three seasons at the club have been repeatedly disrupted by a cruciate ligament rupture and a calf injury, limiting his availability across the last two campaigns.