Martinez blasts United executives after Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid

Lisandro Martinez launched a pointed public attack on Manchester United’s leadership following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday evening, demanding the club do more to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

The Argentine centre-back, speaking in the aftermath of the loss, did not spare the club’s hierarchy. “Really poor, really poor,” he said. “I have to control myself a lot but sometimes it’s a reflection of how our club is at the moment. We had a fantastic season last season, and now we expect more from the top, from up. To bring more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well.”

Martinez singled out United’s technical director specifically, adding: “I expect more from our technical director. I will have to be honest. And also, as players we have to do more but it’s important that you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.”

When pressed on whether boards tend to blame managers when results deteriorate, Martinez broadened his critique. “You start changing, changing, changing managers, but what about other areas? I can’t say more.”

The defeat compounded a miserable start to the 2026/27 season for manager Michael Carrick, who guided United impressively in an interim spell between January and May but has struggled to replicate that form. United sit 13th in the Premier League after just one win from their opening six matches, a run that included a 1-1 draw at home to a 10-man Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday.

Tuesday’s night in Madrid grew worse when Leny Yoro was sent off with around 15 minutes remaining for bringing down Jonathan David as the last defender. Goals from Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman had already sealed the result for an Atletico side Martinez acknowledged were deserving winners.

The outspoken remarks have raised questions over whether Martinez could face internal disciplinary action, given clubs have historically responded poorly to public criticism from players. Reports suggest an agreement has been reached in the wake of his comments, though the precise nature of that understanding has not been confirmed.