Manchester United have endured a disappointing start to the season, with Michael Carrick’s side sitting joint 18th in the Premier League on seven points after just one win. They are also 20th in the Champions League group phase, above the elimination zone only on goal difference.

Performances on the pitch have been matched by unrest off it, with Lisandro Martínez publicly questioning the club’s lack of investment during the summer transfer window following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.

Despite his comments, the Argentine defender returned to the squad for the following match against Leeds. However, he was later sent off against Chelsea, contributing to another 2-0 defeat.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes has also voiced his frustration, criticising Carrick’s tactics after a 4-1 defeat away to Como. The midfielder was subsequently dropped for the clash against Bournemouth and remained an unused substitute despite United needing greater attacking creativity.

The Argentinian centre-back is in the final months of his contract, though United have an option to extend it until 2028. However, after the 28-year-old's recent criticism of the club, the next few weeks will be critical for Martínez's future.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano gave a detailed update about the Manchester United centre-back's current situation at the club, saying, "I am receiving many questions regarding Licha’s future because Lisandro went very strongly against the Manchester United directors and the board after the Atletico Madrid game. Then Lisandro did not perform particularly well over the recent weeks, including the red card against Chelsea.

“So, it is not an easy moment for Lisandro Martínez in general. His contract runs until June 2027, meaning the end of this season. Man Utd have a club option to extend his contract until 2028, ensuring they do not lose any value in terms of the player’s valuation.

“What is going to happen, guys. Will Man Utd exercise the option or not? Will they continue with Licha or not? What is going to be the future of Lisandro Martínez?

“The answer I am getting is that this month, over the next days and weeks, there will be direct contacts between Lisandro Martínez’s camp and Manchester United to assess the situation and consider all the possibilities.

“Whether to exercise the option, whether not to exercise the option, whether he leaves the club or whether he stays. There will be discussions on several points, including his behaviour, performances, future and contract.

“So, talks are expected to follow regarding the future of Lisandro Martínez because this is going to be a big decision for Manchester United.

Previous reports indicated that Martínez wanted to secure a new deal on improved terms at Old Trafford following his World Cup win with Argentina during his first season at the club.

Despite this, negotiations made no meaningful progress, and it now seems the 28-year-old has had a change of heart; he and the club appear to agree that his future beyond this season lies away from Manchester United.

Since making the switch from the Netherlands to Manchester, the centre-back has been plagued by injuries, only being able to make 119 appearances for the club since joining in the summer of 2022, and even though the two parties are in agreement about not extending the 28-year-old's stay in Manchester, it would be in the club's best interests to trigger the one-year extension.

This is reportedly already being considered to prevent the club from losing a valuable asset for a small amount if they sell in January, or nothing if they wait until the summer; given Barcelona and Atletico Madrid's interest, triggering the extension before selling afterwards would be a sensible solution.