Martinez blames United hierarchy for lack of investment after Atletico loss

Lisandro Martinez has launched a blistering attack on Manchester United’s hierarchy, saying the club has failed to strengthen the squad despite qualifying for the Champions League. His comments came after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, which left United five games without a win. The last victory came against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK on 10 September.

Criticism of recruitment policy

Martinez told reporters that “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 added, “I expect more [investment]. 100 %. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]”. The defender highlighted the absence of a striking partner for Benjamin Sesko and the lack of competition at left‑back for Luke Shaw, noting that United spent £155 million on three midfielders this summer while neglecting other positions.

He also questioned the constant managerial changes, saying, “You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can’t say more.” Martinez’s remarks echo those made previously by his Argentina teammate Cristian Romero, who criticised Tottenham’s board last season.

Reactions from former United stars

Former United forwards Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young, who were in Madrid for the game, described Martinez’s interview as “something that will rip the dressing room apart”. Rooney recalled his own public criticism of the club in 2010, which provoked a fierce response from Sir Alex Ferguson, and warned that the current comments were “disrespectful to his teammates”.

Former captain Michael Carrick, when asked about the interview, said he had only “half heard about it” and that “straight after the game is not the time to talk about that interview”. He stressed the need to move forward quickly and expressed confidence in the squad’s willingness to win.

Martinez, who has one year left on his United contract and has not yet agreed an extension, also referenced United’s recent win over newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, a match in which the team had to come from behind. He reminded that United finished third in the Premier League last term to secure a Champions League return for the first time in three years.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sat beside chief executive Omar Berrada at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday, underscoring the senior leadership’s presence at the match. The defender concluded, “It is easy to blame the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas.”