By Lisandro Martinez has launched a stunning public attack on Manchester United’s hierarchy, accusing the club’s leadership of failing to strengthen the squad after last season’s Champions League qualification.
(Credits: BBC Sport)
The Argentine defender didn’t hold back after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid — a result that leaves United winless in five games. Their only victories in nine matches this season came against Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK on September 10 and newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, where they had to come from behind.
“I Expect More — 100%”
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Martinez was blunt: “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, he admitted, deserved their win — but his frustration ran deeper than one result.
“I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox],” he continued. “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.”
A Summer of Misspent Millions?
The numbers back up his frustration. United spent £155 million on three midfielders in the summer while failing to bring in striking support for Benjamin Sesko or competition at left-back for Luke Shaw — gaps that have been ruthlessly exposed.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sat alongside chief executive Omar Berrada in the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday, watching another limp display. The club has now sacked managers in each of the past two seasons after backing them the previous summer — Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, and Ruben Amorim followed in January, with Michael Carrick earning a permanent two-year deal after winning 12 of 17 games as interim boss.
Martinez’s broadside has reportedly been echoed inside Old Trafford as well as by outside observers. With the Champions League campaign faltering and the board under fire from its own players, the pressure at the top has rarely been greater.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
