Martinez issues blistering criticism of Man Utd board after loss
Quick Look
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club's hierarchy for failing to strengthen the squad after qualifying for the Champions League, citing the need for more investment and competition following a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid that left United winless in five games.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Manchester United qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in the Premier League last season, marking their first return to the competition in three years. The club spent £155 million in the summer on three midfielders but did not sign strikers or left-back cover.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has launched a blistering attack on the club's hierarchy for not strengthening the squad following qualification for the Champions League.
Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid means United have now gone five games without a win.
Their last victory was against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK on 10 September. Their only other win this season came against newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, when they had to come from behind.
United finished third in the Premier League last term to seal a Champions League return for the first time in three years.
"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," Martinez said.
"Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today.
"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.
"Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas."
Martinez's view has been echoed by many external observers and has also been mentioned by some inside Old Trafford.
The failure to bring in striking support for Benjamin Sesko and competition at left-back for Luke Shaw have both been highlighted in a summer when United spent £155m on three midfielders to the exclusion of any other position.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was sat next to United chief executive Omar Berrarda in the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.
"You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager," said Martinez. "What about other areas? I can't say more.
"Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team."
Martinez's comments have echoes of similar ones made by his Argentina defensive partner Cristian Romero against the Tottenham board last season.
Ironically, Romero was in the Atletico side against United after his summer move.
Martinez has one year left on his United contract and has yet to agree an extension.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Manchester United will pursue additional signings in the January transfer window to address striker and left-back shortages.
Likely · Within weeks
Lisandro Martinez will sign a contract extension with Manchester United within the next three months.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Manchester United sign additional players in the January transfer window?
- Will Lisandro Martinez sign a contract extension with the club?
- How will the club's hierarchy respond to Martinez's public criticism?
