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Joe Cole tells Man Utd to get rid of £57m star after woeful Chelsea performance

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has urged Manchester United to move on from Lisandro Martinez following the defender's disappointing performance in their 2-0 Premier League defeat against Chelsea.

According to a report by Metro on Saturday, 31 October 2026, Cole believes Martinez has reached the end of his Manchester United career after his costly dismissal at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United suffered another setback as their winless run extended to nine matches following Saturday's defeat.

The result also leaves Michael Carrick's side at risk of dropping into the Premier League relegation zone by the end of the weekend.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring five minutes into the second half with an excellent individual effort, driving through United's midfield before finishing past Senne Lammens.

Martinez struggled to contain the Chelsea midfielder and was booked shortly afterwards for pulling him back after another dangerous run.

The Argentine defender's afternoon then deteriorated further when he raised his forearm towards Wesley Fofana while attempting to defend a corner from Estêvão Willian.

Following a VAR review, Chelsea were awarded a penalty, while Martinez received his second yellow card and was sent off.

Cole, speaking during TNT Sports' coverage, questioned whether the defender still had a future at Old Trafford.

"Whatever the next Manchester United, looks like, I think Lisandro Martinez has run his course," Cole said.

The former Chelsea midfielder acknowledged Martinez's achievements with Argentina but insisted his mistakes have become too frequent for Manchester United.

"We know he’s been fabulous in an Argentina shirt and achieved some wonderful things.

"But he’s at the scene of the crime too often for Manchester United and is at fault for moments and goals like that. So I think that’s probably his time done."

Cole also criticised the defender's reaction during the incident that resulted in his dismissal.

"This is unfathomable. He loses his rag. I think he has been muscled in the corner and he has found himself out of position and lost his rag. It’s a massive mistake."

Martinez's current contract expires at the end of the season, although Manchester United have the option to extend his stay by another 12 months.

His dismissal proved costly as Cole Palmer converted the resulting penalty in the 64th minute to give Chelsea a 2-0 advantage.

The defeat increases the pressure on Carrick, while Martinez faces fresh questions about his future at Old Trafford.

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