Atletico Madrid wants to sign Lisandro Martinez on a free summer transfer, according to reports. The defender is seeking an exit from Manchester United after publicly criticizing club bosses following their Champions League defeat against Atletico. The La Liga club is now monitoring the Argentina World Cup winner to strengthen their defensive line.
Martinez holds a contract at Old Trafford that concludes in the summer, which means he will depart for nothing unless sold in the winter transfer window. Spanish publication AS reports that neither the player nor the club wishes to extend their agreement past the current season. Both Atletico and Barcelona are positioning themselves to acquire the 28-year-old, who is recognized for his passing skills and technical ability on the ball.
Manchester United is currently enduring an eight-game winless streak under Michael Carrick ahead of their upcoming fixture against Chelsea. Both Martinez, who criticized the board, and captain Bruno Fernandes, who slammed the coaching staff tactics after losing to Como, have spoken out this month, highlighting boiling tensions in the United camp.
Martinez has struggled with injuries throughout his time at United since transferring from Ajax in 2022. These continuous physical issues have restricted the center-back to just 115 appearances for the Red Devils across four and a half seasons.
Martinez maintained his place in the lineup following his remarks when United drew at Leeds, though his half-time substitution due to injury ultimately cost his team two points. Afterward, he missed the 4-1 defeat against Como and only played 25 minutes as a substitute in the 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth. Supporters in the Stretford End chanted for Carrick as he walked off the pitch before booing the players.
Martinez traveled with the squad to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where United secured a 1-0 victory last season under Carrick thanks to a goal from Matheus Cunha shortly before half-time.
Carrick welcomed the return of Kobbie Mainoo and plans to give the captain armband back to Fernandes after benching him against the Cherries. Even with these returning players, stopping the team poor run will prove difficult. Carrick received a temporary reprieve after the Bournemouth match because club officials failed to agree on a successor.
Although management stated the former United midfielder will receive an opportunity to reverse the team fortunes, maintaining confidence in him remains uncertain if they suffer another defeat, especially with the club at risk of sliding into the relegation zone by the end of the weekend.
