Lisandro Martinez makes decision on Man Utd future hours after bombshell statement on social media
Lisandro Martinez has reportedly decided that he does not want his Manchester United contract to be extended - though may not necessarily depart when his deal expires this summer.
Martinez publicly criticised the Manchester United hierarchy for their lack of investment in the playing squad following the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
The Argentinian centre-back specifically took aim at technical director Jason Wilcox, and is expected to be sanctioned for his comments in two separate interviews with Amazon Prime and CBS Sports. Now, a new update has emerged.
Lisandro Martinez makes decision over leaving Man Utd
According to The Athletic, Martinez has no intention of staying at Old Trafford beyond the end of next season following his public comments against the club's board.
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His current contract expires at the end of the season but United have the option of triggering a 12-month extension, which could cause problems in itself.
The club themselves will surely be unwilling to keep hold of a player who wants to leave Old Trafford - especially if they cannot easily sell him to a new club next summer, which would be the alternative to losing him on a free transfer. But it is said that United have not made a final decision yet, and instead 'harbour doubts' over keeping Martinez beyond his contract expiry date of June 30.
Martinez is said to currently prefer a move to Spain, with Atletico Madrid hotly linked with a move to sign him following his outburst inside the Wanda Metropolitano.
READ NEXT: Senior Man Utd player reacts to Lisandro Martinez rant as squad's true feelings emerge
Lisandro Martinez's statement after Man Utd rant
Following significant reaction to his comments from across football, including from a number of former Manchester United players, Martinez took to Instagram late on Wednesday night to clarify his remarks and explain why he chose to speak out.
He said that his goal remains 'to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have', and backed both his team-mates and head coach Michael Carrick.
"Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win," Martinez wrote on his official Instagram account. "And when things don't go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
"My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours ... when I talk about wanting more, I'm talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club."
READ MORE: Lisandro Martinez's statement addressing Man Utd outburst in full
"We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top," he said, referring to himself and his team-mates. "I believe in my team-mates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward.
"My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge."
Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Man Utd, Champions League
Ryan Smart