Lisandro Martinez’s chances of leaving Man Utd revealed as leading English club emerges after Jason Wilcox rant
With Lisandro Martinez likely to be punished by Manchester United after speaking out against director of football Jason Wilcox, how likely is he to leave in January, and could he join a rival Premier League club?
Martinez did not mince his words after United’s 2-0 Champions League group-stage defeat away at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (October 13), with the Argentinian calling on Wilcox and the club’s hierarchy to invest more in the playing squad.
What did Lisandro Martinez say about Man Utd’s director of football?
United signed three outfield players – Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba – during the summer window, although they have struggled at the start of the 2026/27 campaign, winning just two matches in all competitions: against Ipswich and Sabah.
"We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well," Martinez told Amazon Prime Video.
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"Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today.
"I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox].
"I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.
"Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas."
Martinez will likely face a sanction, such as a fine or a warning, for his comments. Despite the result, Martinez appeared to defend head coach Michael Carrick, explaining that he feels the club cannot keep changing managers when results dip. United have previously sacked Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim over the past two seasons.
"You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager," said Martinez. "What about other areas? I can't say more.
"Last season we did everything; we created the base to create an amazing team."
READ MORE: Real reason behind Lisandro Martinez's explosive Man United interview revealed in bombshell report
Could Lisandro Martinez leave Man Utd in January?
There have been suggestions that Martinez may look to leave United, with Sky Sports reporting that the club are looking at new centre-backs and left-backs in the January transfer window, while the boardroom is angered and bemused by Martinez’s comments.
Martinez was previously linked with a move to Atletico Madrid last summer, although he remains under contract at United until 2027.
So, how likely is it that last night’s comments could be the catalyst for Martinez leaving Old Trafford?
According to Betfair, Martinez is 3/10 to be a United player when the winter transfer window closes on February 2.
The bookmaker has Martinez priced at 7/2 to sign for Atletico, 5/1 for AC Milan and 13/2 for Spurs. Italian giants Roma and Lazio are priced at 17/2 and 9/1 respectively, while Ajax are outsiders at 14/1.
United return to action away at Leeds United on October 18.
Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Premier League, Football News
Luke Davies