Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez in action against Atletico Madrid
BySimon StoneManchester United reporter- Published13 October 2026, 22:32 BST
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has launched a blistering attack on the club's hierarchy for not strengthening the squad following qualification for the Champions League.
Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid means United have now gone five games without a win.
Their last victory was against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK on 10 September. Their only other win this season came against newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, when they had to come from behind.
United finished third in the Premier League last term to seal a Champions League return for the first time in three years.
"We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well," Martinez said.
"Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today.
"I expect more [investment]. 100%. 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.
"Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas."
Martinez's view has been echoed by many external observers and has also been mentioned by some inside Old Trafford.
The failure to bring in striking support for Benjamin Sesko and competition at left-back for Luke Shaw have both been highlighted in a summer when United spent £155m on three midfielders to the exclusion of any other position.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was sat next to United chief executive Omar Berrada in the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.
"You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager," said Martinez. "What about other areas? I can't say more.
"Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team."
Martinez's comments have echoes of similar ones made by his Argentina defensive partner Cristian Romero against the Tottenham board last season.
Ironically, Romero was in Atletico's side against United after his summer move to Spain.
Martinez has one year left on his United contract and has yet to agree an extension.
'That will rip the dressing room apart'
Former United stars Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young were in Madrid for the game.
Discussing Martinez's comments on Amazon Prime, both said the defender had gone too far and the damage inside the dressing room could be significant.
"Something like that will rip that dressing room apart," said Rooney.
The former England and United captain recalled his own public criticism of the club in 2010 which drew a fierce response from boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Rooney said it had been a mistake and he apologised for it.
"It is disrespectful to his team-mates," he said. "He is saying his team-mates aren't good enough.
"Bruno [Fernandes is] the only one with any right to say that. Behind closed doors, it happens - but that interview isn't going to help.
"I don't think he has connected with fans, but with the injuries he hasn't really paid his money back. He has tried to speak on behalf of the players but done it the wrong way.
"It looks like a player trying to look after himself. It was very pre-meditated. It is sad because you need everyone to stick together, you need to be as one."
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