Manchester United’s struggles in recent years have been well documented, with the club struggling to live up to the expectations set over the years.
Much of the discontent from supporters was directed at the hierarchy, with the likes of the Glazer family and INEOS criticized for their management of the club.
Of course, given the time and money they spend watching their side, the board are allowed to have their say, but when a player does, it could be the end of their time in Manchester.
Why Martinez’s antics could end his United career?
Lisandro Martinez is one of countless players who have failed to live up to expectations following their big-money moves to join United, further evidence of the mistakes made by the hierarchy.
However, the Argentine has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season and has been a regular in the starting line-up during the latest nine-game winless streak.
After last month’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, the 28-year-old protested their inclusion in the squad, saying: “We had a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top.
“From the people at the top, getting more players to compete because a lot of teams have signed a lot of players. “For me, we don’t have the best squad at the moment compared to other top teams. I am not going to close my mouth, I expect more ambition.”
The defender was fined by the club after such an outburst, with his long-term future still up in the air despite being on display in recent months.
Why Martinez’s performances could end his United career
Many of the United faithful will respect Martinez for his comments and ultimately his speech – because he voiced a sentiment echoed by his supporters.
However, supporters have been disappointed with the player’s performances on the pitch, and rightly so given his struggles in the Premier League this campaign.
The Argentine was sent off in last weekend’s defeat to Chelsea after picking up two stupid yellow cards in succession for fouls on Morgan Rogers and Wesley Fofana.
His key stats this season also highlight his struggles, with the centre-back winning just 2.8 tackles per 90 to date.
The aforementioned figure saw him ranked in the bottom 5% of all England’s top-flight defenders, with the big money man also ranked in the same percentage for his aerials and defensive contributions.
Why is the £36m flop now complete at Man Utd?
Despite Martinez’s struggles, he is not the only senior United player in Carrick’s squad who could see his future away from the club amid their recent struggles.
The likes of Diogo Dalot, Youri Tielemans and Amad Diallo have also received their fair share of criticism from supporters – and rightly so given their lack of quality at Old Trafford.
However, striker Joshua Zirkzee is another player who could be on his way out of Manchester as the striker is no longer part of Carrick’s long-term thinking.
The Dutchman, who arrived from Bologna for £36million in the summer of 2024, was seen as the answer to the club’s No.9 problem – but it’s safe to say he went down as another disaster signing.
He has made 84 appearances for the Red Devils since his big-money signing two years ago, but has scored just ten times – averaging a goal every 8.4 appearances since then.
An injury to Benjamin Sesko this season gave him a chance to stake his claim for a starting role, but the manager has since decided to use Bryan Mbeumo in an unnatural centre-forward role.
He came on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in recent weeks, but ultimately failed to score in all three encounters.
Zirkzee has played just 82 minutes in the league this campaign and his stats during his final cameo at Stamford Bridge highlight why his time in Manchester has come to an end.
Man Utd strikers PL minutes (2026/27) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Rank | Player | Appearances | Minutes |
1 | Bryan Mbeumo | 9 | 810 |
2 | Matheus Cunha | 9 | 616 |
3 | Marcus Rashford | 6 | 356 |
4 | Amad Diallo | 4 | 304 |
5 | Joshua Zirkzee | 5 | 82 |
6 | Benjamin Sheshko | 4 | 76 |
7 | Shea Lacey | 2 | 22 |
The Dutchman played just 13 minutes off the bench but managed just ten touches of the ball and completed just one pass in the process.
His inability to deliver the goods was further highlighted by the five possessions he lost – which saw him gift the ball to the opposition 50% of the time he was at his feet.
He also failed to complete a dribble and gave his teammates no chance – but was booked for two fouls.
His struggles have been there for all to see in recent months and Carrick’s decision to use others ahead of him shows the manager has no faith in the Dutchman.
Martinez and Zirkzee are two players nearing the exit door, but more departures are needed for the club to have any chance of recapturing its former glory.