According to a report by Metro on Saturday October 31, 2026, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has called on Manchester United to move on from Lisandro Martinez following the defender's disappointing performance in their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Martinez endured a difficult afternoon against Chelsea, receiving two yellow cards in quick succession before being sent off in the second half.

Michael Carrick's side were already struggling after Morgan Rogers opened the scoring five minutes into the second half with an impressive individual effort.

The Chelsea midfielder drove through United's midfield, held off challenges and finished past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Martinez was unable to stop Rogers and was subsequently booked for pulling the England international back.

The Argentine defender was dismissed less than four minutes later after raising his forearm while challenging Wesley Fofana during a set-piece situation.

Following a VAR review, referee Peter Bankes awarded Chelsea a penalty and showed Martinez a second yellow card, leaving Manchester United with ten men.

Cole, who was working as a co-commentator for TNT Sports, was unimpressed with the defender's performance and believes his time at Old Trafford should come to an end.

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

The former Chelsea midfielder acknowledged Martinez's achievements with Argentina but questioned his reliability and the number of costly mistakes he has made during his time at Manchester United.

"We know he's been fabulous in an Argentina shirt and achieved some wonderful things," Cole added.

Cole also criticised Martinez's reaction during the incident that resulted in his dismissal, suggesting the defender lost his composure after being physically challenged by Fofana.

Meanwhile, Martinez's future at Manchester United could become a subject of discussion in the coming months, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The club have the option to extend his agreement by another 12 months, but Cole's comments have added to the scrutiny surrounding the Argentine defender following another disappointing result.

The defeat extended Manchester United's winless run to nine matches, increasing the pressure on Carrick as he attempts to turn around the club's difficult situation.

United will now have to regroup ahead of their Champions League meeting with Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday before facing Aston Villa in the Premier League next Sunday.