Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez. Photo: Getty Images
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez launched an extraordinary attack on the club’s hierarchy following their UEFA Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, publicly questioning the recruitment decisions that have left the Premier League giants struggling this season.
United – who had Leny Yoro sent off – suffered a 2-0 loss to LaLiga giants Atletico on Wednesday (AEDT) as the Red Devils were left to pick up the pieces once more amid mounting pressure on head coach Michael Carrick.
Martinez did not hold back post-match, with the Argentina international directing his frustration towards the club’s decision-makers rather than the players or head coach Michael Carrick, technical director James Wilcox in particular.
It comes after a frustrating off-season in the transfer market which has led to United winning just two games this term across all competitions – against Sabah FC and Ipswich Town.
Despite earning Champions League qualification, fans were left angered with the transfer business that yielded Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans.
“It’s a reflection of how our club is at the moment,” Martinez told Amazon Prime.
“We expect more from people upstairs to bring in players to compete. It’s easy to blame the coach, players.
“I expect more from our technical director.”
Martinez added: “If you don’t change, next season it’s a big problem.”
United have won just one of their first six games in the Premier League this season.
The Red Devils are 13th in the table and just three points above the relegation zone, while they are 12 points off the pace.
“We had a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, from the people upstairs, to bring in more players to compete, because many teams have signed a lot of players as well.
“This is not a Champions League quality squad. I think the players can do more, but it’s also important to build a strong squad to be ready for these kinds of nights.”
Carrick was asked about Martinez’s comments in his press conference, to which the United boss replied: “I haven’t seen it.
“I think after a game like this, you come here to try to get something, and we’re disappointed. Sometimes it can be a little bit emotional as well. I’ve not seen it, so now is not the right time for me to comment.”
But United legend Wayne Rooney hit out at Martinez.
“He’s disrespecting his teammates… It’s not going to help the situation at the club at the minute,” Rooney said via Amazon Prime.
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