Manchester United’s struggles over recent years have been well documented, with the club struggling to match the expectations set by those during the years gone by.
A lot of the supporters’ discontent has been directed towards the hierarchy, with the likes of the Glazer family and INEOS receiving criticism for their running of the club.
They’re no doubt allowed to offer their opinion on the board given their time and money invested in watching their side, but when a player does it – it could spell 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 meet expectations after their big-money moves to join United, which is further evidence of the mistakes made by the hierarchy.
However, the Argentine has featured 11 times across all competitions this season, and has been a regular starter during the recent winless run which reached nine matches.
After the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid last month, the 28-year-old hit out at the board for their recruitment and said: “We had a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top.
“From the people upstairs, to bring in more players to compete, because many teams have signed a lot of players. “For me we don’t have the best squad at the moment compared with other top teams. I’m not going to close my mouth, I expect more ambition.”
After such an outburst, the defender was handed a fine from the club, with his long-term future still remaining up in the air despite featuring in recent months.
Why Martinez’s performances could end his United career
Many of the United faithful will have respected Martinez for his comments and finally speaking out – as he voiced the opinion that has been echoed by supporters.
However, the supporters have become disappointed with the player’s output on the pitch, and rightly so given his struggles in the Premier League this campaign.
The Argentine was sent off during the defeat to Chelsea last weekend after picking up two foolish yellow cards in quick succession for fouls on Morgan Rogers and Wesley Fofana.
His underlying stats from the current season also highlight his struggles, with the centre-back only winning a measly average of 2.8 ground duels per 90 to date.
The aforementioned figure has seen him rank in the bottom 5% of all defenders in England’s top-flight, with the big-money man also ranking in the same percentage for aerials won and defensive contributions.
Why £36m flop is now finished at Man Utd
Despite Martinez’s struggles, he’s not the only senior United player who could see his future lying away from the club amid their recent struggles within Carrick’s squad.
The likes of Diogo Dalot, Youri Tielemans and Amad Diallo have also received their fair share of criticism from the supporters – and rightly so given their lack of quality at Old Trafford.
However, striker Joshua Zirkzee is another who could well be on the way out of Manchester, with the attacker seemingly no longer part of Carrick’s long-term thinking.
The Dutchman, who arrived for £36m from Bologna in the summer of 2024, was seen as the answer to the club’s number nine issues – but it’s safe to say he’s gone down as another disaster signing.
He’s featured 84 times for the Red Devils since his big-money move two years ago, but only found the net on ten occasions – subsequently achieving an average of a goal every 8.4 matches.
The injury to Benjamin Sesko this season handed him a chance to stake his claim for a starting role, but the manager has since decided to utilise Bryan Mbeumo in an unnatural centre-forward role.
He’s been handed substitute appearances against Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in recent weeks, but ultimately failed to deliver in all three encounters.
Zirkzee has only featured for 82 minutes in the league this campaign, and his stats during his latest cameo at Stamford Bridge highlight why his time in Manchester is coming to an end.
|
Man Utd attackers PL mins (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 Šeško |
4 |
76 |
|
7 |
Shea Lacey |
2 |
22 |
The Dutchman featured for just 13 minutes off the substitutes bench, but could only register ten touches of the ball and completed just a single pass in the process.
His inability to deliver the goods was further highlighted by his tally of five times possession lost – which saw him gift the ball to the opposition 50% of the time he had it at his feet.
He also failed to complete a single dribble and was unable to provide any chances for his teammates – but did pick up a yellow card after committing two fouls.
His struggles have been there for all to see over recent months and Carrick’s decision to utilise others ahead of him up front is a signal that the manager has no faith in the Dutchman.
Martinez and Zirkzee are just two players who are edging closer to the exit door, but more departures are needed if the club are to stand any chance of reclaiming their former glory.
