Martinez blames board as United’s Champions League loss fuels Carrick’s crisis

Atletico Madrid ripped United apart inside the first minute, the opening goal arriving after 53 seconds when Alex Baena’s run behind Diogo Dalot culminated in a half‑blocked strike that crossed the line, leaving Manchester United trailing and prompting Michael Carrick’s visible frustration.

Early collapse and missed chances

The United back four, assembled for the first time, were exposed as Baena linked up with Pablo Barrios, whose effort was only marginally saved by Jan Oblak. United’s own attempts soon fizzed; Bryan Mbeumo squandered a clear chance and Marcus Rashford’s aerial effort went wide, while a second Mbeumo strike was again denied by Oblak.

Lisandro Martinez, furious after the concession, directed his criticism beyond the players, targeting the boardroom and the layer between manager Erik ten Hag and owners – a layer currently overseen by Jason Wilcox.

Mid‑field turmoil and disciplinary blow

Throughout the match Carrick lamented the lack of midfield reinforcement, noting that United arrived without a new striker or defender despite the summer’s recruitment drive.

United’s woes intensified when Leny Yoro received a red card for a last‑man foul on Jonathan David with fifteen minutes remaining, a decision Carrick described as a ‘poor decision’ and a further blow to an already anemic attack.

In the second half, Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha were introduced as United attempted to reshape their shape, yet the team failed to create clear-cut chances, even Bruno Fernandes missed his target, possibly hampered by an injury.

Martinez’s post‑match comments singled out the board, particularly Jason Wilcox, for the club’s inability to address the midfield and forward deficiencies, arguing that United’s resources should allow simultaneous improvements across the squad.

Despite the defeat, Carrick found a sliver of relief in Martinez’s candid rebuke, suggesting that the spotlight on the manager might broaden to the structural issues he highlighted.