Lisandro Martinez’s blunt critique forces Manchester United to confront Jason Wilcox
Lisandro Martinez, the Argentina international, laid bare his frustration with Manchester United’s hierarchy in an extraordinary interview after the club’s Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, directly naming technical director Jason Wilcox as responsible for the team’s malaise.
Inside the dressing‑room tension
The interview, given in the wake of United’s defeat, revealed a deep mistrust between players and the board. Martinez said, “I expect more (investment) 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest,” underscoring a belief that the squad’s concerns the club’s current state.
His comments echo earlier signs of discontent, notably Bruno Fernandes’s body language over recent weeks, which many observers have taken as a barometer of growing unease among senior players.
Recruitment failures under scrutiny
Martinez highlighted the club’s summer signings – midfielders Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, plus reserve goalkeeper Karl Darlow – arguing that Santos and Tielemans were never genuine first‑choice options. He added that the £150 million spent on the new midfield should have produced higher standards, with only Baleba meeting expectations.
Injuries have compounded the problem: Benjamin Sesko’s shin issue has lingered since spring, while Luke Shaw’s setback forced Ayden Heaven into an unfamiliar left‑back role against Atletico, a position United have struggled to resolve for years.
Martinez blames United hierarchy for lack of investment after Atletico loss
Wilcox’s expanding remit
Jason Wilcox, promoted to director of football last year and later given broader responsibilities after Dan Ashworth’s departure, has been at the centre of most major decisions since arriving. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recruited Wilcox, once praised him for having “the best eyes in football”.
Wilcox’s involvement in past transfer moves – such as driving interest in Liam Delap and overseeing the acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens in 2025 – is now being questioned in light of the current squad’s under‑performance.
Former captain Wayne Rooney was stunned by Martinez’s remarks, which he described as a scathing judgement of the club’s business rather than its on‑field tactics.
Martinez demands funding from United after League duel vs Atlético Madrid
United’s season has been described as “rancid”, with early‑season statistics painting a bleak picture of physical preparedness. The combination of questionable recruitment, injury woes and a perceived lack of investment has left the dressing‑room and hierarchy at odds, a divide Martinez believes must be addressed.