After overcoming an uncertain start to life in England, he became a key figure in the side. His aggression, passing range and willingness to take responsibility helped transform United’s defence. When injuries sidelined him, the team often looked significantly weaker without him.

That player still exists somewhere. The problem is that he has been almost impossible to find during the opening months of the 2026-27 season.

At some point, clubs must stop judging players on what they were and start judging them on what they are. For Manchester United, that point may have arrived.

The Mistakes Are No Longer Occasional

Every defender makes errors. The concern with Martinez is the volume and nature of them. Too many of United’s dropped points have featured his fingerprints.

The own goal against Fulham could perhaps be dismissed as unfortunate. The positioning issues against Tottenham were harder to explain. The alarming lack of defensive authority against Bournemouth and the pointless sending off against Chelsea were more concerning still.

What has stood out is not merely the mistakes themselves. It is the manner of them.

There have been repeated occasions where Martinez appears more focused on wrestling with opponents than tracking the movement of the ball. There have been moments where his urgency has seemed absent. There have been situations where he has looked emotionally detached from what is happening around him.

That is not the version of Martinez United signed. But it is the version they are currently seeing.

Reputation Can Only Protect a Player for So Long

One argument frequently raised in Martinez’s defence is that he remains a World Cup-level defender.

His performances for Argentina have often been significantly better than those he has produced at club level, and his inclusion in the World Cup Dream Team this summer reinforced his standing on the international stage.

Yet football clubs cannot select players based on international reputation. They must select them based on current output.

United cannot continue rewarding performances that are actively harming the team simply because the player once performed at a higher level. The Premier League is too demanding for that.

His Public Frustration Should Concern United

The football is not the only issue. Recent comments expressing frustration about Manchester United’s transfer activity have also raised eyebrows.

Players are entitled to opinions. Leadership figures often demand higher standards.

But public criticism can become problematic when it comes from someone whose own performances are attracting serious scrutiny, and it can go overboard in the pass-the-blame game.

Whether Martinez intended it or not, comments questioning the strength of the squad create the impression of a player whose commitment to the broader project is beginning to weaken.

For a club already struggling with instability, that is an unwelcome dynamic.

A Departure May Suit Everyone

The reality is that this increasingly resembles a situation where all parties would benefit from a fresh start.

Martinez still has qualities. He remains experienced. He remains competitive. He remains attractive to clubs operating at a high level.

The issue is that his trajectory at Old Trafford appears to be moving in the wrong direction.

Rather than waiting for the relationship to deteriorate further, United may be better served by moving decisively. Sometimes the smartest transfer decisions involve recognising when a cycle has reached its natural end.

Atletico Madrid Looks Like the Obvious Destination

Of all the clubs linked with Martinez, Atlético Madrid stands out as the most logical destination. Multiple reports have connected the Argentine defender with Diego Simeone’s side, with Atlético reportedly viewing him as a potential defensive reinforcement.

The fit is easy to understand. Simeone loves aggressive defenders. Martinez would be reunited with several international teammates. The prospect of forming a partnership with former Tottenham defender Cristian Romero would likely appeal to both player and club.

A different environment and a more defensively structured system could easily help him rediscover his best form.

Other Clubs Will Be Watching

Atletico are not the only reported admirers.

Recent reports have also mentioned interest from Barcelona, while several Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, Roma and Como, have been linked with monitoring his situation. That level of interest should encourage Manchester United.

The club still has an opportunity to generate a meaningful fee and reinvest it in players better suited to the next phase of the rebuild. The alternative is allowing his value to decline while hoping performances improve.

That would be a considerably riskier strategy.

The Verdict

Lisandro Martinez deserves credit for everything he contributed during his best years at Manchester United. He was an important player. At times, he was an excellent player.

But right now, he is costing Manchester United points far more often than he is helping them gain them, it doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon. The mistakes are increasing, as is the tension within the club which his presence seems to be feeding. The performances are declining.

With serious interest reportedly emerging from Atletico Madrid and other European clubs, United have an opportunity to act before the situation worsens further.

For the player, a move could reignite a career that has stalled. For Manchester United, it could remove a growing problem and create room for a defensive rebuild.

At this stage, that looks like the best outcome for everybody involved.