Martinez confronts United teammate on flight home after blasting club's transfer strategy

Lisandro Martinez sparked a reported confrontation with a Manchester United teammate on the flight back to Manchester after publicly criticising the club’s hierarchy following Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.

According to Sky Sports, at least one player challenged the Argentine defender over his post-match remarks as the squad boarded their return flight. His comments are said to have caused anger and confusion both in the boardroom and within the dressing room.

Speaking after the game, Martinez singled out technical director Jason Wilcox, arguing that United’s recruitment had fallen short of what was needed to compete in Europe. “I expected more from our technical director,” he said. “I have to be honest, you know? And also, as players, we have to do more, but it’s also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for these kinds of nights.”

Martinez also suggested the squad as a whole lacked the quality required at this level — a remark that is understood to have particularly angered several of his teammates. “Yeah, it’s annoying, disappointing, to come here and not see my team trying to get an amazing result here,” he added. “It’s disappointing.”

The defender argued that United had built a foundation last season but failed to follow through in the summer window, despite the arrival of several midfield reinforcements. He called for greater scrutiny of Wilcox rather than head coach Michael Carrick, whose influence over recruitment is described as limited.

The outburst comes at a sensitive moment for Martinez personally. He was linked with a move away from Old Trafford over the summer, with Atletico Madrid — the very side that beat United on Tuesday — reportedly among his potential suitors. The Spanish club were said to be interested in bringing him to Madrid to reunite with close friend and international teammate Cristian Romero.

Martinez has featured in seven of United’s first nine games across all competitions this season. The club have won just two of those matches.