Martinez blasts Man Utd hierarchy after Atletico defeat: 'I expect more from the top'

Lisandro Martinez publicly condemned Manchester United’s hierarchy following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid in Spain on Tuesday, telling reporters the club had not done enough to build on last season’s foundations.

The result — United’s fourth defeat of the campaign in all competitions — was shaped early when Ruben Barrios put Atletico ahead within the opening minute. Leny Yoro was then sent off, and Ademola Lookman doubled the lead shortly after, leaving United with just two wins from their opening fixtures this season.

Martinez did not spare those running the club when speaking in the aftermath. “Really poor. Really poor,” the Argentine defender said. “I have to control myself a lot but sometimes it is a reflection of the mirror of how our club is at the moment. 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.”

The centre-back directed specific criticism at technical director Jason Wilcox, saying: “I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest — as players we have to do more, but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.”

Asked which positions could have been reinforced in the summer, Martinez was blunt. “In general. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team. It is annoying, disappointing coming here and not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result.”

Martinez also pushed back against the instinct to blame the manager or players alone. “You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager,” he said. “What about other areas? Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players, but we also have to see other areas.”

The comments represent one of the most direct public criticisms of United’s off-field decision-making from within the dressing room this season, and will increase scrutiny on the club’s recruitment strategy heading into the January transfer window.