Martinez blasts United directors after 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid

Lisandro Martinez publicly turned on Manchester United’s hierarchy after the club’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, telling reporters the squad was not built to compete at Champions League level and directing pointed criticism at technical director Jason Wilcox.

The Argentine centre-back, speaking to journalist Gabriel Clarke at full-time, described the performance as “really, really poor” and said the result was “a reflection, a mirror of how our club is.” United, managed by Michael Carrick, have now won just two of their opening nine matches of the season.

When pressed on whether the club had invested enough in the squad over the summer, Martinez was unequivocal. “Yeah, 100 per cent,” he said. “I expect more from our technical director — I have to be honest. And also, as the players, we have to do more. But it’s just important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.”

Martinez acknowledged that money had been spent on midfield reinforcements but argued the squad needed strengthening across the board. “In general,” he said when asked which areas required investment. “Last season we did everything; we created the base to build an amazing team and to prove something. It’s annoying, disappointing, to come here and not see my team trying to get an amazing result.”

The defender was notably protective of Carrick when the manager’s position was raised, insisting the coach was not the root cause of the club’s struggles. “I don’t think so. He does his best. But every season is different — you can’t stay with what you did last season. The opposition knows you, knows how you play, and if you don’t change, next season it’s a big problem.”

Martinez also pushed back against the cycle of managerial dismissals that has defined United’s recent history. “You start changing, changing, changing manager — but what about other areas?” he said, before stopping himself short. “I can’t say more.”

The comments represent one of the most direct public challenges to United’s football operations in recent memory, coming from a player widely regarded as one of the club’s most committed performers. Martinez had already faced scrutiny after his role in conceding a late equaliser at the weekend, making his decision to speak out at the Metropolitano all the more striking.