Martinez calls out Man United as a club after Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid

Lisandro Martinez did not hold back after Manchester United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, calling out the club directly and insisting he expects more from the organisation as a whole — not just the players and coaching staff.

The Argentine defender, 28, spoke to Peter Schmeichel in a post-match interview with CBS Sports, going further than his initial comments to deliver a pointed critique of United’s direction. “We’re not playing well as a team,” Martinez said. “You can see the disconnection; we can’t string three or four passes together, and the body language is bad.”

He acknowledged the team’s missed chances and the early goal conceded, but quickly broadened his criticism beyond the performance itself. “We take the responsibility, but also as a club, I expect more. I’m not gonna close my mouth. I expect more.”

Martinez was unambiguous about what he believes is missing at Old Trafford. “We need more ambition. We need to talk more about winning the Champions League, talk more about winning the Premier League instead of other things. Every season, we’re talking about the same thing. Of course, but if we don’t say the truth, nothing will change.”

The comments are notable for their directness toward the club’s leadership. Director of football Jason Wilcox was among those present in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, and Martinez’s remarks — delivered on an American broadcast not aired in the United Kingdom — were a clear signal that the defender believes the problems at United run deeper than tactics or form.

His willingness to speak publicly, and to repeat those criticisms across multiple post-match interviews, underlines the frustration building within the squad as United continue to struggle for consistency in both domestic and European competition.