Manchester United icon, Peter Schmeichel has delivered a harsh critique of Lisandro Martinez, labeling the defender’s performance as “disgraceful”.
This is following the club’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
The Red Devils faced a challenging afternoon after a scoreless first half, with Martinez receiving huge backlash for his involvement in Chelsea’s first goal.
In the 50th minute, Morgan Rogers capitalized on the Argentine centre-back’s inadequate defending to break the stalemate and put Chelsea ahead.
United’s predicament worsened in the 64th minute when Chelsea extended their lead with a penalty from Cole Palmer. Martinez had been dismissed moments earlier for striking Wesley Fofana with his forearm inside the penalty area.
This loss has intensified the pressure on United boss Michael Carrick, whose team has now gone nine matches without a win.
However, former United goalkeeper Schmeichel holds Martinez largely accountable for the disappointing outcome.
After the match, Schmeichel expressed his frustration with the defender’s performance, asserting that the blame for the defeat should rest entirely on him.
He stated, “I place this entirely on Lisandro Martinez’s shoulders.
“This is an absolute disgrace how he performed in this game. Two weeks ago, he made some very strong statements against his teammates and the football club, and it seemed like he was attempting to orchestrate a transfer. He’s in the final year of his contract.
“What he exhibited today, honestly, leaves me speechless. For the first goal, he has played in a World Cup final; you cannot defend the way he did for the first goal and the penalty. I literally have no words for how outrageous that was.”
The former Denmark international was equally unimpressed with Martinez’s demeanor after receiving his red card, questioning the defender’s attitude as he exited the pitch.
“Then he walks off the pitch shaking his head as if he’s done nothing wrong. So poor,” he added.
Schmeichel also condemned Martinez for giving Rogers too much space during the buildup of Chelsea’s first goal.