By Manchester United are “like a circus” in the eyes of former captain Roy Keane — and he is pointing the finger at Lisandro Martinez after the defender’s public criticism of the club’s hierarchy. The Argentine’s outburst followed Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, which stretched United’s winless run to five games.
Lisandro Martinez (Credits: BBC Sport)
Martinez, who joined United from Ajax in 2022, blasted the club for failing to strengthen the squad last summer despite Champions League qualification, saying he expected “more investment” and “more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]”. He later claimed on social media that he spoke out of “anger and frustration”.
Keane: “Look in the Mirror First”
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Keane tore into the timing and the messenger. “There will be some fans saying it’s great and some saying you’re letting the team down, especially from a player who hasn’t been at his best, when the team is struggling,” he said. “I think as a reflection of the club, it’s obviously chaos there, like a bit of a circus.”
Keane was blunt about Martinez’s own form: “I don’t see him as a senior player at Manchester United. I see him as a centre-half who’s making lots of mistakes.” His advice to the 28-year-old was simple: “You always have to start with the man in the mirror before you start coming out with all these comments.”
Neville Compares It to Rooney’s 2010 Outburst
Former United defender Gary Neville drew parallels to Wayne Rooney’s infamous 2010 comments, warning that Martinez’s attack on the board is really an attack on the dressing room. “That is a direct attack on the players you are playing with,” Neville said. “If I were Harry Maguire or Bruno Fernandes, or any other senior player, I would be absolutely fuming with him because you’re basically saying we shouldn’t be here.”
With Martinez’s contract expiring at the end of the season — United hold a one-year extension option — and a trip to Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, the circus rolls on to Elland Road.
Also Read: UCL Talking Points, Matchday 2: Man United Sink At Atlético As Madrid Stage Stunning Roma Comeback
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
