Never miss a moment with Barcelona
The Old Trafford fallout
The 28-year-old's future in Manchester is in serious doubt following a breakdown in relations with the board. Martinez has reportedly decided against extending his stay, with contract talks stalled since his 2022 World Cup triumph amid frustrations over his wages compared to the squad's top earners.
His current deal expires this summer. While United hold a 12-month extension clause, the defender opposes triggering it, and the club remain hesitant to force the issue. According to Mundo Deportivo, this contractual impasse has alerted Barcelona, who have shortlisted the former Ajax man as a highly attainable defensive reinforcement alongside Inter's Alessandro Bastoni and Real Betis centre-back Natan.
Dressing room tensions rise
The unrest stems from a recent Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, which prompted the Argentine to publicly challenge United's lack of squad depth. Although several team-mates reportedly share his underlying concerns about the club's overall direction, the explosive nature of his outburst caused significant friction behind closed doors.
The timing of the complaints caught the dressing room off guard, leading to a private confrontation with at least one colleague. Despite this internal drama, Martinez's impending availability makes him a prime target for La Liga sides. Spain has emerged as his preferred destination, with Atletico Madrid, as per AS, also heavily linked following their victory over the Red Devils.
Demands for investment
The controversy ignited when Martinez delivered a blunt assessment of United's transfer business following their bruising loss in the Spanish capital. The centre-back demanded a stronger squad to compete at the highest level, pointing a finger directly at the recruitment team.
Related Topics
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
"We have to bring in more players to compete," Martinez stated. "I expect more [investment]. 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest, as players we have to do more, but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night."
According to reports, these comments were not a premeditated attempt to force a transfer, but rather a reflection of deep-rooted frustrations. The defender later issued an apology for the outburst.
Manager seeks to move on
United boss Michael Carrick has since attempted to defuse the situation, insisting the squad remains completely unified. The manager confirmed the matter was handled internally and stressed that the team is focused on moving forward.
"Licha has come out and acknowledged the situation and, as a group, we have moved on," Carrick explained. "There's no drama for us as a group. We feel that has been dealt with."
Despite Carrick's reassurances, January represents United's final realistic opportunity to command a transfer fee. Unless the club unexpectedly triggers his extension clause, they risk losing the 115-appearance defender on a free transfer next summer.