Back
Lisandro Martinez has no interest in extending his Manchester United contract amid interest from two of Spain's biggest clubs, according to reports. The defender is nearing the end of his current deal at Old Trafford, which is due to expire at the end of the season. He was United's worst performer in their defeat to Chelsea, a result which marked their ninth successive game without victory in all competitions.
Martinez was left chasing shadows when Morgan Rogers sliced through United to open the scoring just minutes into the second half.
He went on to concede the penalty that saw Cole Palmer double Chelsea's lead, getting himself sent off in the process.
In a moment of madness, Martinez threw his elbow into Wesley Fofana while trying to defend a corner, earning his second yellow card in the space of just two minutes.
It came just weeks after he lashed out at the United hierarchy in an explosive interview following their Champions League defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
Interestingly, the defender might well end up at Atletico next season, with AS claiming they are interested in signing him on a free transfer in the summer.
Barcelona have also been credited with a desire to land Martinez, who reportedly has no intention of agreeing a new deal at Old Trafford.
It's claimed that United would be happy to let him leave when the campaign draws to a close, with neither side willing to negotiate an extension.
The report adds that an exit could be agreed as early as January, but that would depend on whether any offers arrive. Martinez will also be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club at the turn of the year.
Joe Cole delivered a scathing assessment of Martinez's performance against Chelsea, insisting that his time at United should be brought to an end.
Speaking on TNT Sports, the former England midfielder said: "Whatever the next Manchester United, looks like, I think Lisandro Martinez has run his course.
"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.
"He's at fault for moments and goals like that, so I think that’s probably his time done."
After the final whistle, Cole added: "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."
Back
Top
| Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact |
Refresh
|
All the best breaking news stories from Apex Scores Lite. Optimised for feature phones and low end Android devices, Apex Scores Lite helps users with legacy devices and poor network connectivity access the latest football news and live scores. Particularly relevant for breaking football news in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.