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The fact Man United cannot drop Lisandro Martinez after his outburst just goes to show he was spot on about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s politburo of under-qualified, over-protected advisors, writes RIATH AL-SAMARRAI

Lisandro Martinez will be in the Manchester United squad when they face Leeds on Sunday. And of course he will, because he was right about that shambling wreck of a club.

By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI · Daily Mail

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 10:36 PM

Key Things to Know

Riath Al-Samarrai argues Lisandro Martinez cannot be dropped because Manchester United failed to recruit adequate defensive cover.
Martinez criticised Manchester United's leadership and ambition following a Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Manager Michael Carrick stated that Martinez made a mistake but confirmed the club has moved on.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Riath Al-Samarrai argues that Manchester United's inability to drop Lisandro Martinez following his public criticisms proves the defender was correct about the club's recruitment flaws. Despite speaking out against club leadership following a defeat to Atletico Madrid, Martinez remains in Michael Carrick's squad to face Leeds United due to a lack of senior defensive depth.

The writer criticises director of football Jason Wilcox and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's leadership group for failing to sign defensive cover during the summer transfer window. Instead, United signed midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans, leaving Carrick with limited backline alternatives.

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