Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has launched a blistering attack on the club’s hierarchy, accusing it of failing to strengthen the squad after Champions League qualification. His criticism followed Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, a result that left United without a win in five matches.
United’s last victory came against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK on 10 September. Their only other win this season was against newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, when they had to come from behind. Last season, United finished third in the Premier League to secure a Champions League return for the first time in three years.
Martinez made clear where he believes the problem lies. “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,” he said. He also acknowledged Atletico’s performance: “Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today.”
The defender did not limit his frustration to the result. “I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox],” Martinez said. “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.” He added: “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 been highlighted, particularly in a summer when United spent £155m on three midfielders to the exclusion of any other position. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sat next to United’s chief executive in the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.
Martinez also warned against repeated managerial change. “You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager,” he said. “What about other areas? I can’t say more.” He added: “Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team.”
His comments have echoes of similar ones made by his Argentina defensive partner Cristian Romero against the Tottenham board last season. 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.