Hasselbaink demands Martinez suspension after defender's public attack on Man Utd hierarchy

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged Manchester United to suspend Lisandro Martinez after the Argentine defender publicly attacked the club’s hierarchy following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, with Martinez subsequently releasing a statement acknowledging his comments were made in anger.

Martinez directed pointed criticism at senior figures at Old Trafford, making clear his belief that the squad — particularly in defence — had not been adequately strengthened during the summer. United spent £155 million on three midfield signings, bringing in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but left-back remained an unaddressed weakness after the club failed to land Lewis Hall and pulled out of moves for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes over their asking prices.

Hasselbaink did not dispute the substance of Martinez’s grievances but argued the manner of the outburst warranted a firm response. “His points are valid but do I think he should say it? That’s a different story,” he said. “I expect him to not play the next match or the next few matches — you cannot come out publicly and say what you said.”

The timing compounds United’s difficulties. After finishing third last season, the club have won just one of their opening six Premier League games, and Martinez’s comments have cast doubt over his availability for Sunday’s match against Leeds United. His contract is also due to expire at the end of the season, adding a longer-term dimension to the fallout.

On Wednesday, Martinez addressed the controversy in an Instagram story statement. “After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted,” he wrote. “Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United. My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours.”

United have yet to comment publicly on the matter, and whether they opt for a fine, a suspension, or no formal punishment at all remains unclear. The episode nonetheless lays bare the growing tension between players and the club’s decision-makers at a difficult moment in the season.