Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has criticised centre-back Lisandro Martinez following the 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Red Devils went into the game on an eight-match winless streak. They had a bright opening half in west London and should have been ahead with the big chances created.
In the second half, United were simply second best to the Blues. A superb Morgan Rogers goal and a Cole Palmer penalty sealed a comfortable win for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Martinez was also handed a red card after two reckless challenges in a four-minute span. He was initially booked for fouling Rogers before receiving his marching orders for an elbow on Wesley Fofana in the box, which paved the way for Palmer to double the lead (penalty).
United could have fought back against the Blues at 1-0, but Martinez’s ridiculous foul and sending off meant the game was pretty much sealed for the hosts.
Speaking after the defeat, Schmeichel said that the loss was completely on Martinez’s shoulders and it was an ‘absolute disgrace’ how he played against Chelsea.
The former United goalkeeper added that his behaviour in recent weeks and the penalty conceded today clearly suggest that he is not a suitable player for United.
He told Premier League Productions (as quoted by Metro): “I put this solely on Lisandro Martinez’s shoulders. This is an absolute disgrace how he played this game.
“Two weeks ago, he came out and made some very, very strong statements against his teammates, against the football club, and it felt like he was trying to orchestrate a move. He’s in the last year of his contract.
“What he did today, honestly, I have no words.
“The first goal, he’s played a World Cup final, you can’t defend the way he defended for the first goal and the penalty, I literally have no words how crazy that was.
“Then he walks off the pitch shaking his head as if he’s done nothing wrong. So bad.
“I might be accused of being on his back, but I can point to so many goals they conceded this season where he’s the main guy, where he is not doing the job he’s supposed to do.
“I think his behaviour two weeks ago, and what he did today with the penalty, it just shows you he’s not a suitable player for Manchester United.”
Martinez has had a difficult season with the Red Devils. He was quite vocal with his criticism of sporting director Jason Wilcox this month and said that the squad is not strong enough to compete.
However, the Argentine needs to look in the mirror too. The World Cup winner has been directly responsible for five goals conceded due to defensive errors and has been far from his best.
The 28-year-old had another dismal display against the Blues. He lost seven out of nine duels contested at the Bridge and looked defensively vulnerable during the second half before his red card.
Martinez’s current deal expires in June 2027, but United have the option to extend for 12 months. The Red Devils will no doubt trigger the clause as they would not want to lose him on a free transfer.
Still, it seems that he could be offloaded during next summer’s transfer window. The former Ajax man is on the radar of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and could end up moving to the Spanish La Liga.
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