Lisandro Martínez has launched a public criticism of Manchester United's hierarchy, demanding more investment and specifically naming technical director Jason Wilcox. The Argentina defender made his comments after a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid, which he described as a 'mirror' of the club's current state.
Martínez said the performance was 'really poor, really poor' and called for significant change. "I expect more [investment], 100%," he stated. "I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]." He also expressed his belief that manager Michael Carrick has not been sufficiently backed, despite the team's strong finish last season.
Context of United's struggles
The defeat at the Metropolitano Stadium, with goals from Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman and a red card for Leny Yoro, extended United's winless run to five games across all competitions. This poor form is part of the club's worst start to a domestic league campaign in 40 years. Manchester United currently sit 13th in the Premier League, having taken just six points from their opening six matches. Their goal difference stands at minus 5, having conceded 11 goals while scoring only 6 in those first 540 minutes of league action.
Martínez warned against stagnation, noting that opponents now know United's play in detail. He argued that while players must do more, a strong and ready squad is essential for competing at the highest level. The club's summer signings included Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans, but Martínez's comments suggest he feels the overall squad planning has been inadequate. He pointedly stated that the team needs to be "stronger and ready" to compete, implying the current group is not.
Carrick's response
When asked about the defender's outburst, manager Michael Carrick said he had not seen the interview. "I haven’t seen the interview. I have half-heard about it," Carrick told reporters. "I think it’s a little bit the emotions of the game [talking]." Carrick insisted his side created chances in the match and felt they could have taken a different result, but acknowledged the players' disappointment. He described the mood as "angry and frustrated" in the dressing room following the loss.
The criticism comes at a sensitive time, with former United captain Wayne Rooney suggesting such public remarks could disrupt the dressing room. United must now regroup quickly for a trip to Elland Road this Sunday to face a Leeds United side sitting seventh in the table. The next Champions League fixture is away to Como on October 21. Check the upcoming fixtures for the full schedule.
The report in full is at The Guardian Football
