Murphy says Martinez has already checked out and must never play for Man Utd again

Lisandro Martinez should never play for Manchester United again because he has mentally checked out of the club, according to former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, speaking after the Argentina defender was sent off in United’s 2-0 Premier League defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Martinez received two quickfire yellow cards, the second for catching Wesley Fofana in the face with his arm while contesting a corner. Cole Palmer then converted the resulting penalty to put the game beyond United, who now sit just above the Premier League relegation zone having gone nine games without a win in all competitions.

“No, I wouldn’t, only because he looks like he has already gone,” Murphy said on BBC Radio 5 Live when asked whether he would play Martinez again. “His head isn’t right. He is not going to be there long term, that is evident. You have to put the club first. Michael has got to make some big decisions. You can’t have a liability in your team.”

Murphy was equally damning about Martinez’s contribution to the opening goal. “Lisandro Martinez has got a lot to answer for, because the first goal was mainly his fault. The sending off is absolutely ridiculous. His mindset is not right to play. You can’t rely on him. He is a liability.”

Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole echoed those sentiments after the final whistle. “In a Man United shirt, he’s just at the scene of the crime too often,” Cole said. “Whatever the next Man United phase is, I think Martinez’s time at the club has run its course.”

The 28-year-old joined United from Ajax in 2022 under then-manager Erik ten Hag and has made 120 appearances for the club. His position has been further complicated by a fine handed down by the club in October after he publicly criticised the hierarchy following a defeat by Atletico Madrid. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Interim manager Michael Carrick notably did not look in Martinez’s direction as the defender left the pitch, with Jonny Evans escorting him down the tunnel. Carrick declined to publicly criticise his player in the aftermath.