Martinez issues scathing attack on Man Utd board - has he made things worse?

Lisandro Martinez, defender for Manchester United, has issued a sharp critique of the club's leadership for failing to bolster the squad after their qualification for the Champions League.

Following Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, United finds itself without a win in five matches.

The last time the team claimed victory was against Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK on September 10. In total, United has achieved just two wins in nine outings this season, with their only other triumph occurring against newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, where they had to rally from behind.

Last season, the Red Devils finished third in the Premier League, securing a Champions League return for the first time in three years. During Michael Carrick's interim management, United clinched 12 out of 17 matches after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January, leading to Carrick receiving a two-year permanent contract as head coach.

"We had a fantastic season last year, and now we expect more from the top—more players to compete because many teams have brought in multiple players," Martinez stated during an interview with Amazon Prime. "Atletico possesses an incredible team and they deserved the victory today.

"I expect more investment—100%. I expect greater support from our technical director [Jason Wilcox].

"As players, we also need to strive for more, but having a strong squad is essential for nights like tonight. It's convenient to blame the coach or the players, but we must also consider other areas."

Martinez's perspective resonates with various external analysts and has been voiced by some inside Old Trafford as well.

The absence of additional striking support for Benjamin Sesko and a competition for Luke Shaw at left-back have been prominent concerns during a summer where United spent £155 million on three midfielders, neglecting to address any other position.

At the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was observed sitting alongside chief executive Omar Berrada.

Over the past two seasons, the club has parted ways with managers, having previously supported them during the prior summer. Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, followed by Amorim's exit in January 2026.

"You can't keep changing managers," Martinez explained. "What about addressing other areas? I can’t elaborate further. Last season, we laid the foundation for an exceptional team."

Martinez's remarks bear resemblance to those made by his Argentina teammate Cristian Romero regarding the Tottenham board last season. Interestingly, Romero was part of Atletico's squad that faced United after transferring to Spain over the summer.

Meanwhile, Martinez has one year remaining on his United contract, and there has been no agreement on an extension as of yet.

'That will rip the dressing room apart'

Former Manchester United players Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young were present in Madrid for the match.

On Amazon Prime, they discussed Martinez's comments, suggesting that the defender may have overstepped and could potentially harm the internal dynamics of the dressing room.

"Statements like that can fracture the dressing room," Rooney remarked. He recalled his public criticism of the club in 2010, which elicited a stern reaction from manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney classified it as a mistake he has since apologized for.

"It is disrespectful to his teammates," he noted. "He's implying they aren’t good enough. Only Bruno [Fernandes] is entitled to express such sentiments. Discussions like this can happen behind closed doors, but that interview won’t aid the situation."

"[Martinez] attempted to voice the players' feelings but did so inappropriately. It appears to be a player focused on his own agenda, which is unfortunate because unity is essential."

Newly acquired Tielemans, brought in from Aston Villa for £35 million in July, also addressed the media but refrained from commenting directly on the matter.

Former England striker Alan Shearer, while commentating on the game, indicated that Carrick had been let down. Young expressed that Martinez should have remained silent.

"We recognize that recruitment needs to improve, but players must elevate their performance," Young stated. "They are the ones who must deliver."

"This situation will linger throughout the week following what was otherwise a commendable performance."

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson conveyed an understanding of Martinez’s perspective.

"While I see his point, I question the timing. Given the current climate surrounding Manchester United, positivity is needed from the dressing room," he said. "However, I appreciate the candor—a player being straightforward.

"Manchester United supporters do not need their players publicly declaring 'we're fine, the squad is adequate.' Everyone acknowledges that recruitment has fallen short, and the squad requires strengthening."

Does Martinez have a fair point?

Despite using a more spirited approach compared to their lackluster display against Tottenham over the weekend, conceding a goal within the first minute does not reflect positively on Carrick.

The team's current five-match winless streak marks the first occurrence since the 2024-25 season, during which they struggled under both Ten Hag and Amorim.

Carrick remains under mounting pressure, and Martinez's statements will intensify scrutiny on Wilcox. The former Southampton executive's role as football director is being increasingly questioned, along with the decisions made by Ratcliffe and Berrada since the Glazer family distanced themselves while remaining majority shareholders.

In addition to firing Ten Hag and Amorim, they also let go of the highly respected Dan Ashworth just five months into his tenure as sporting director in December 2024.

Ratcliffe has faced criticism for raising ticket prices and initiating a ticket touting investigation among season ticket holders, which many fans viewed as an effort to prioritize "tourist" supporters.

As per the latest financial accounts, United's overall debt has reached £1.1 billion, with some fans voicing discontent over the decision to spend £63.5 million on land for a new 100,000-capacity stadium—expected to cost over £2 billion—rather than investing in strengthening Carrick's squad.

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, United has only succeeded in qualifying for consecutive Champions League seasons on two occasions.

In his final news conference, Amorim advised Wilcox to concentrate on his own responsibilities, accusing him of paying excessive attention to external "noise," including critiques from figures like ex-player Gary Neville.

Initially, Carrick was asked live on television about his thoughts on Martinez's comments before heading to the post-match press conference, where three different reporters posed inquiries regarding the matter.

"I haven't seen the interview," he clarified. "I've only vaguely heard about it. It's reflective of the emotions surrounding the game. It's not the right time to discuss that interview, and I can't truly comment. Our priority is to move forward quickly.

"I have no doubts regarding the unity of our group and our desire to win. While results may prompt concerns about underlying issues, our players have shown admirable willingness."

When asked whether he would address Martinez’s comments, Carrick responded, "I need to gather more information on the situation before determining how to proceed."