Martinez challenged by team-mate after blasting Man Utd hierarchy over Champions League squad failures

Lisandro Martinez was confronted by a Manchester United team-mate on the flight back from Madrid after his outspoken post-match interview, in which the Argentine defender publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Martinez made no attempt to hide his frustration after the loss, telling Prime Video Sport: “I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]. 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.” He also described the performance as “a reflection of the mirror of how is our club at the moment.”

One unnamed United player took issue with the timing and public nature of those remarks, challenging Martinez directly during the journey home. The club’s board are also reported to have reacted poorly to the interview, with a fine considered likely. Whether Martinez will be dropped for Sunday’s trip to Leeds remains unclear.

Manager Michael Carrick said after the defeat that he had not seen the full interview, though he is expected to address the matter at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Elland Road fixture.

The episode has added fresh uncertainty to Martinez’s long-term future at Old Trafford. His contract expires at the end of this season, and while United hold an option to extend it by one year, the club are actively seeking to sign a centre-back and reduce their wage bill. The 28-year-old, who cost United £57 million from Ajax in 2022, had reportedly been keen to leave for some time — with Atletico Madrid, ironically, among his preferred destinations this past summer.

Martinez has won two trophies since joining United, both under former manager Erik ten Hag. His comments have divided opinion among supporters, many of whom share his frustration at the club’s transfer activity, even as the dressing room response suggests the manner of his public criticism has not gone down well internally.