BBC Sport
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has delivered a pointed critique of the club's management for failing to bolster the squad after their qualification for the Champions League.
The recent 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid signifies a troubling five-match winless streak for United.
Their last victory came against Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK on September 10. United's only other win this season in nine matches happened against newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, where they had to rally from behind to secure the three points.
The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League last year, which marked their return to the Champions League for the first time in three years.
Under the interim management of Michael Carrick, United secured 12 wins from 17 matches following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January, earning Carrick a permanent two-year 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 bring in several players as well," Martinez stated during an interview with Amazon Prime.
"Atletico has an exceptional team, and they deserved their victory tonight.
"I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox].
"I must be honest; as players, we need to improve, but it is also crucial to construct a strong squad to be prepared for evenings like this.
"It is easy to blame the coach or the players, but we must also consider other areas."
Martinez's sentiments resonate with numerous observers outside the club and have been echoed by some individuals within Old Trafford.
The lack of reinforcement in terms of striking support for Benjamin Sesko and competition for Luke Shaw at left-back has been particularly scrutinized, in a summer where United allocated £155 million on three midfielders, neglecting other critical positions.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was seen alongside United's chief executive Omar Berrada in the Metropolitano Stadium during this match.
The club has a history of sacking managers in the past two seasons after previously backing them during summer transfer windows; Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, followed by the departure of Amorim in January 2026.
"You cannot keep changing the manager continuously," Martinez remarked. "What about other areas? I can't elaborate further.
"Last season we did everything to lay the groundwork for an outstanding team."
Martinez's statements echo those made by his Argentina defensive colleague Cristian Romero regarding the Tottenham board last season. Ironically, Romero played for Atletico in this match following his summer transfer to Spain.
Martinez currently has one year remaining on his contract with United and has yet to negotiate an extension.
'That will rip the dressing room apart'
Former United players Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young were in attendance for the match in Madrid.
In their discussion of Martinez's comments on Amazon Prime, both concluded that the defender may have overstepped, potentially causing significant discord within the squad.
"Comments like that could tear the dressing room apart," Rooney warned.
The ex-England and United captain recalled his public criticism of the club in 2010, which triggered a stern reaction from former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Rooney acknowledged that it had been a mistake, one for which he later apologized.
"It is disrespectful to his teammates," he added. "He is implying that his teammates are not good enough.
"Only Bruno [Fernandes] holds the authority to express such thoughts. Behind closed doors, these discussions occur, but this interview will not be beneficial.
"[Martinez] attempted to represent the players but did so inappropriately.
"It appears as though a player is looking out for himself. It feels orchestrated. It is unfortunate because unity is essential; everyone must support one another."
Tielemans—who United acquired from Aston Villa for £35 million in July—also engaged with the broadcaster but chose not to address the question raised.
In his commentary on the game, prior to Martinez's remarks, former England striker Alan Shearer expressed his belief that Carrick had been let down by the team.
Young felt that Martinez should have exercised restraint.
"We acknowledge that recruitment must improve, but players must also perform," he emphasized. "They are the ones responsible for generating results.
"No changes will occur now, and this could create tension following a strong performance."
In an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson expressed understanding for Martinez's perspective.
"I question the timing of his comments. In light of the current atmosphere at Manchester United, positivity should emanate from the dressing room," he noted.
"However, on the other hand, I admire his honesty—a player displaying candor.
"Manchester United supporters do not require their players to downplay the situation by stating 'we're doing fine, and the squad is sufficient.'
"It is evident that they fell short in their recruitment efforts and require additional players, as the squad is currently lacking."
Does Martinez have a fair point?
While United demonstrated marked improvement from their lackluster showing against Tottenham, conceding within the first minute did not reflect well on Carrick's tactical approach.
The club has now experienced five consecutive winless matches for the first time since the 2024-25 season under both Ten Hag and Amorim.
Carrick remains under considerable scrutiny, and Martinez’s comments will redirect attention toward Wilcox.
The appointment of the former Southampton executive as football director is increasingly being questioned, along with the decisions made by Ratcliffe and Berrada since the Glazer family stepped back despite retaining their majority ownership.
In addition to the dismissals of Ten Hag and Amorim, they also parted ways with the highly regarded Dan Ashworth in December 2024, merely five months following his hiring as sporting director.
Ratcliffe has faced criticism for raising ticket prices and instigating a ticket touting investigation among season ticket holders, which fans perceived as an attempt to favor 'tourist' supporters over local fans.
According to the club's latest financial statements, United's overall debt now stands at £1.1 billion, with some supporters decrying the decision to invest £63.5 million in land for a new 100,000-capacity stadium—projected to exceed £2 billion in total costs—rather than allocating those resources to enhance Carrick's squad.
Since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, United have qualified for the Champions League in consecutive seasons only twice.
During his final press conference, Amorim instructed Wilcox to focus on his own responsibilities, suggesting that excessive attention was given to external "noise" from figures like former player Gary Neville.
Carrick was initially asked for his reaction to Martinez's remarks during a live television segment before he proceeded to the post-match press conference, where three different reporters questioned him about the comments.
"I haven't seen the interview," Carrick replied. "I've only heard bits and pieces. This is about the emotions of the game.
"Now is not the appropriate time to discuss that interview, and I cannot comment on it. It is crucial for us to progress quickly.
"As a group, I don’t doubt our unity and our desire to win. While results may suggest otherwise, the players have been exceptional in their commitment."
When asked if he would speak to Martinez regarding his comments, Carrick stated: "I need to gather more information before determining if and how we will address it."
Share this story