Martinez signals Old Trafford exit after blasting Manchester United hierarchy over Champions League humiliation

Lisandro Martinez appears set to leave Manchester United at the end of his contract in the summer of 2027, after the Argentine defender’s public criticism of the club’s hierarchy deepened doubts over his long-term future at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old sparked controversy following United’s defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, directing pointed words at unnamed figures within the club’s leadership. His comments were widely interpreted as an implicit rebuke of technical director Jason Wilcox over the club’s summer recruitment, which Martinez felt fell short of what was needed after a promising first season under manager Michael Carrick in 2025-26.

United finished third in the Premier League under Carrick and secured a return to European competition, but were outclassed at the Wanda Metropolitano — a result that appeared to crystallise Martinez’s frustrations. According to the Manchester Evening News, the defender has indicated he does not see a future at the club beyond the expiry of his current deal.

Martinez subsequently took to Instagram to walk back the sharpest edges of his remarks, stating they were made out of frustration and calling for unity at the club. Carrick, for his part, said the matter had been dealt with internally and would not destabilise the squad going forward.

Despite those attempts at de-escalation, the underlying tension has not dissipated. United do hold a 12-month option to extend Martinez’s contract beyond 2027, but that clause is now considered increasingly unlikely to be activated given the breakdown in relations.

Should Martinez push for a departure next summer, Atletico Madrid — the club that exposed United’s limitations in Europe — are reported to be among the sides interested in signing him, adding a pointed irony to the situation. A move to Spain is said to be the defender’s preference if he does leave Old Trafford.