The Argentina international has come under scrutiny after publicly criticising United’s leadership following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.
Martínez questioned the club’s repeated managerial changes and called for greater investment in the squad, directing particular criticism towards technical director Jason Wilcox.
“You cannot just keep changing managers again and again. What about the other areas?” Martínez said. “Tonight, it is easy to point at the manager or the players, but we also have to look at other parts of the club.”
He also expressed disappointment with United’s summer recruitment, adding: “I expected more investment in the summer. I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest: we players have to do more, but when you are building a strong squad, it is also important to be ready for nights like this.”
The comments reportedly caused anger and surprise among figures at the club, while questions have emerged over Martínez’s own future at Old Trafford.
According to The Athletic, the defender does not want United to activate the option in his contract, which would extend his stay beyond its existing expiry date. Leaving that option unused could allow him to depart for a reduced fee during the January transfer window or leave as a free agent next summer.
Martínez is said to favour a move to La Liga if he leaves England. Reports have also suggested that he explored a possible move to Atlético Madrid during the previous summer transfer window.
Manchester United are themselves understood to have reservations about triggering the extension, meaning the situation could develop in the coming months.
Sources close to Martínez have reportedly insisted that his criticism was not intended to force an exit. They maintain that he would have voiced the same concerns even if he had several years remaining on his contract.
The Athletic has also reported that other United players share some of Martínez’s frustration with the club’s recruitment strategy and the way it is being run.
For now, there is no confirmed agreement for Martínez to leave. His comments, however, have intensified scrutiny of United’s leadership and raised fresh uncertainty over the defender’s long-term future.