Schmeichel Blasts Martinez as ‘Absolute Disgrace,’ Casts Doubt on Manchester United Future

Peter Schmeichel has placed the blame for Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea squarely on Lisandro Martinez. The defender was culpable for Morgan Rogers’s opening goal before being dismissed for the incident that led to Cole Palmer’s penalty, prompting the former United goalkeeper to conclude that Martinez is simply not the right fit for the club.

Schmeichel Attributes Chelsea Defeat to Martinez

Following a scoreless first half, Morgan Rogers took advantage of poor defending from Martinez to put Chelsea ahead in the 50th minute. Xabi Alonso’s side extended their lead in the 64th minute when Cole Palmer converted the spot-kick after Martinez received a red card for striking Wesley Fofana with his forearm inside the United penalty area.

The loss leaves Michael Carrick’s United winless in nine matches, but Schmeichel left no doubt about where he believed responsibility lay. Speaking after the final whistle, he said: “I put this solely on Lisandro Martinez’s shoulders.”

Schmeichel Questions Martinez’s Comments and Contract Situation

Schmeichel connected the performance to Martinez’s recent public criticism of teammates and the club, suggesting the defender may have been attempting to force a transfer: “This is an absolute disgrace how he played this game. Two weeks ago, he made some very strong statements against his teammates and the football club, and it felt as though he was trying to orchestrate a move. He is now in the final year of his contract.

“What he did today, honestly, I have no words. For the first goal, he played as if it were a World Cup final; you cannot defend like that. As for the penalty, I literally have no words—it was incredible. Then he walked off the pitch shaking his head as if he had done nothing wrong. It was simply awful.”

Schmeichel: Martinez Is ‘Not a Suitable Player’ for Manchester United

Schmeichel expressed bewilderment at how easily Morgan Rogers advanced for the opener and insisted this was not an isolated issue: “It really is baffling how he can defend like this. Morgan Rogers just walks through. He let him go, and it is just not good enough. If you play in the Premier League, you must defend better than that; if you play for Manchester United, you must defend even better.

“I might be accused of picking on him, but I can point to so many goals conceded this season where he is the primary culprit and is not doing the job required. I believe his behavior two weeks ago, combined with what happened today regarding the penalty, demonstrates that he is not a suitable player for Manchester United.”

Carrick Faces Pressure as Martinez’s Future Hangs in the Balance

When questioned about the defending for the opening goal, Carrick said: “I think the manner of the goal we conceded is never a good goal to concede. Morgan [Rogers] went right through the middle of us, and at that point, the game was in the balance. It was a significant moment.”

With the winless streak now extended to nine games, pressure on Carrick will continue to mount, and Schmeichel’s assessment adds further uncertainty over Martinez’s future at Old Trafford.

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