According to a report from Daily Post Nigeria, on Sunday November 01, 2026, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes Lisandro Martínez’s time at Manchester United could be coming to an end after the defender was sent off in the club’s 2–0 defeat at Chelsea.

United’s latest loss extended their winless run to nine matches and left them facing the possibility of slipping into the Premier League relegation zone before the weekend was over.

Chelsea took the lead five minutes into the second half when Morgan Rogers drove through United’s midfield and scored past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Martínez struggled to stop the England international and was booked for pulling him back.

The defender was dismissed less than four minutes later. During a Chelsea set piece, Martínez raised his forearm while marking Wesley Fofana. After a VAR review, the referee awarded Chelsea a penalty and showed Martínez a second yellow card.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole questioned whether the Argentina international still had a future at Old Trafford. He acknowledged Martínez’s achievements with his country but argued that the defender had been involved in too many costly incidents for United.

Cole also called the dismissal an avoidable mistake, saying Martínez lost his composure after being caught out of position.

The defender’s contract expires at the end of the season, although United have the option to extend it by a further year. His sending-off and Cole’s criticism have intensified scrutiny of his future as the club struggles to regain form.