(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Lisandro Martinez’s 4.52 rating after facing Chelsea today is the lowest he’s recorded in his entire club career, according to WhoScored.
The centre-half was shown two yellow cards in quick succession, the second of which resulted in Chelsea being awarded a penalty, which Cole Palmer converted to make it 2-0 to the hosts.
Lisandro Martínez recorded a 4.52 match rating in Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, the lowest rated single performance of his entire club career. He was booked twice in four minutes, conceded a penalty, and saw red in the 63rd minute. 📉🟥 pic.twitter.com/YilaJbzI2u — WhoScored (@WhoScored) October 31, 2026
Martinez’s careless defending helps Chelsea secure 2-0 win
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United reacts as he receives a red card from Referee Peter Bankes during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick did not acknowledge Martinez as he made his way off the pitch and down the tunnel at Stamford Bridge, showing just what the Manchester United manager thought of the reckless incident.
Lisandro Martinez is shown a second yellow card following a VAR review 🟥 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max ➡️https://t.co/WPrcA5ZrQ1 pic.twitter.com/VLcAMNdqgZ — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 31, 2026
It left United navigating the majority of the second half with one fewer man and trailing by two goals, before they eventually dropped yet another three points.
United could end matchweek nine in the relegation zone, and now face two home encounters against AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday and Aston Villa in the Premier League next Sunday.
The state of play with Martinez
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United during the players warm up ahead of the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
As for Martinez, it remains to be seen what the future holds for him in M16.
Even though he has been one of the side’s most injury-prone players since he joined in the summer of 2022, you could usually count on him to be one of the highest performers when fit.
Now, that is far from the case.
Peter Schmeichel: “I put this solely on Lisandro Martinez's shoulders. What he did today, I have no words. The first goal, you can't defend how he did, and then the penalty, I have no words for how crazy that was. So bad. The supporters are who you play for. They support so well… pic.twitter.com/7LXTf3KXjJ — utdreport (@utdreport) October 31, 2026
He has been at fault for several calamitous defensive errors this term, and is now failing to even successfully challenge his opponent without fouling.
The 28-year-old is out of contract in June 2027, though United do have the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months, which they may opt to do in order to secure a fee from his exit.
It’s thought that Martinez won’t be short of suitors when he does eventually depart, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona considering making moves for him next year – perhaps even as early as January.
Lisandro Martínez no renovaría su contrato con el Manchester United. Acaba en junio de 2027 y no se ejecutaría la opción del +1. Atlético de Madrid y Barcelona entran a la carrera por su contratación. A partir de enero puede negociar con cualquier club.@diarioas… — Eduardo Burgos (@edu17burgos) October 30, 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026 in London, England
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts as a goal scored by Matheus Cunha is ruled out by VAR for offside during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026 in London, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Fans of Manchester United show their support before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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