Video: Martinez blasts Man United hierarchy after Champions League defeat to Atletico
Abdullateef Fowewe
Manchester United defender, Lisandro Martinez has launched a scathing public attack on the club’s board and recruitment strategy following Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid.
Video: Martinez blasts Man United hierarchy after Champions League defeat to Atletico
Speaking after the defeat at the Metropolitano, the Argentina international described the performance as “really poor” and said it reflected deeper problems at the club.
“Sometimes it is a reflection or the mirror of how our club is at the moment,” Martinez told broadcasters.
“We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well.
“Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today.”
He went further on the lack of summer reinforcement, stating, “I expect more investment. 100%. I expect more from our technical director (Jason Wilcox). I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.”
Martinez added that it is “easy to blame the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas,” and questioned the wisdom of repeatedly changing managers while other issues remain unaddressed.
The comments come amid a difficult start to the season for United under head coach Michael Carrick.
The side have struggled for consistency, with the Atletico result extending a winless run and leaving them with limited points from their opening fixtures.
After a strong campaign last season that secured Champions League qualification, expectations were high for further progress.
Instead, the squad has been widely viewed as short of the depth and quality needed to challenge Europe’s elite, prompting frustration from players and supporters.
Martinez’s intervention marks one of the most direct criticisms of the hierarchy by a current United player in recent years.
It has already drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the honesty while club legend Wayne Rooney described the public nature of the remarks as “disrespectful” to teammates.
United face Leeds United in the Premier League this weekend before their next European fixture.
