Lisandro Martinez Seeks Summer Exit as Manchester United Faces Turbulence
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez wants to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, with Atletico Madrid showing interest, according to The Sun. The reported desire for a departure follows comments from Martinez aimed at Manchester United’s hierarchy after their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, as noted by Soccer Special pundits.
Prior to their fixture against Chelsea, Manchester United players faced hostility when they were booed by supporters on the train en route to London, The Mirror reported.
Squad Injuries and Discontent at Stamford Bridge
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez revealed that his hand is permanently disfigured after he refused surgery for a broken finger, fearing the procedure would force him to miss the World Cup, according to The Sun.
Meanwhile, young forward Estevao Willian has expressed confusion regarding his lack of playing time under manager Xabi Alonso, telling friends he is currently in a crisis, The Sun reported. Defensive depth at Stamford Bridge has also taken a hit, with center-back Maxence Lacroix feared to be sidelined until January due to a hamstring injury, according to The Athletic.
Everton Unease and Wider Football Appointments
The Times revealed a sense of unease among the Everton hierarchy regarding the transfer, which followed an unauthorised absence that saw Grealish dropped from the squad for a Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United. Following Everton’s subsequent victory in that competition, manager David Moyes remained tight-lipped about the player’s absence during his post-match press conference.
In managerial and executive movements across British football, former Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has emerged on the radar for the vacant managerial position at Sheffield Wednesday, according to the Daily Record. In administrative changes, former Celtic recruitment chief Mark Lawwell has secured a new role at Chelsea, while former Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk was cleared by NAC Breda following an internal investigation into his son Sydney’s January transfer to Portuguese side Estrela Amadora, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
Women’s World Cup Prize Money Shortfall
FIFA is set to fall short of complete gender equality regarding the prize money allocated for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, according to The Guardian.
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