Rooney accuses Martinez of 'agenda' after Man Utd star slams board following Atletico defeat

Wayne Rooney has accused Lisandro Martinez of running a personal ‘agenda’ after the Manchester United defender publicly called out the club’s board in the wake of a Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid in Spain.

Goals from Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman secured victory for the hosts, and Martinez used his post-match interview to demand greater investment from the club’s hierarchy. “I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director Jason Wilcox,” the Argentina international said. “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.”

Rooney, speaking in response to the comments, acknowledged Martinez’s passion but argued the defender had overstepped. “I think he’s maybe gone too far,” Rooney said. “That should be down to the manager and that should stay internal because the fans want to hear the players speak and they want to see them care.”

The United legend did not spare Martinez from personal scrutiny either, suggesting the defender’s own form undermined the force of his argument. “He clearly cares and wants the club to invest more money and more players, and if they do that I think he’ll be one of the players out of the door if I’m being honest with his performances. His performances haven’t been good enough.”

Rooney reserved particular concern for the effect Martinez’s words could have on the dressing room. “I think it’s a bit disrespectful to his team-mates as well because he’s saying they’re not good enough,” he said. “I think Bruno is probably the only one who has any right coming out and saying something like that, if I’m being honest, as captain. And even then it should be behind closed doors.”

The former England captain warned that airing grievances publicly would only deepen the instability surrounding the club. “Now all that’s going to bring is more noise around it — the players are unhappy, they’re unsettled, they don’t trust in their own team-mates. That’s not going to help at all.”