Chelsea 2–0 United, and Martinez carried it
Chelsea 2–0 Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. United's third straight defeat in all competitions, and Lisandro Martinez was at the centre of it: a red card and a penalty conceded (1) (7) (11). Peter Schmeichel did not soften it.
"I put this [defeat] solely on Lisandro Martinez's shoulders. It's an absolute disgrace how he played this game" (1).
Nine games in, you are 17th on 7 points with a goal difference of -5. Form reads L D L L L.
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INEOS want a meeting with Martinez
Fabrizio Romano says the talks are coming fast. "The information I'm getting is that, this month, over the next few days and weeks, there will be direct contacts between Lisandro Martínez's camp and Manchester United to assess the situation and consider all the possibilities: exercising the option, not exercising it, leaving the club or staying" (7) (11).
The backdrop: he has reportedly agreed personal terms with Atlético Madrid ahead of a 2027 move (1), and Barcelona are monitoring him as a low-cost defensive option (2). A January sale is a real possibility (7).
Carrick is not asking for promises
Michael Carrick said ahead of the Chelsea game that he needs no guarantees from the board (3). Youri Tielemans said the squad are "very happy" he has been retained, despite United's worst run since 2015 (4).
Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday
United host AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, 21:00 CET, with a back line to sort out (6) (12). Then Aston Villa at home on Sunday, 8 November, 17:30 CET.
January shopping list
- Nico Paz: United are lining up a €80m bid for the Como midfielder in January, after he hurt them in the Champions League (5). - Folarin Balogun: offered to United as he angles for a Monaco exit, with Benjamin Sesko's injury troubles in mind (5). - Alejandro Balde: left-back is a priority, and Barcelona's Balde is on the list (8). - Alex Freeman: the Villarreal full-back is also linked (5). - Morgan Gibbs-White: named a realistic target, and any move could hinge on Bruno Fernandes leaving (5).
Bruno has a Saudi suitor, Rashford has itchy feet
Al-Hilal are ready to bid around £46m for Bruno Fernandes as early as January (9). Marcus Rashford is in talks over an Everton move (5).
One door shut: Fermín López on the United links. "I don't pay attention to that kind of news. I want to stay here at Barça as long as possible" (10).
Fan reactions
The mood on r/reddevils is grim but not mutinous. The most shared post is David Ornstein saying United "still believe" Michael Carrick can turn it around, with fans expecting him to take both the Roma and Aston Villa games. Others are just tracking the women's team result, a small piece of good news on a bad weekend.
