Lisandro Martínez turns United’s Madrid defeat into public attack on club hierarchy

Martínez points blame beyond the pitch after United lose in Madrid

Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat by Atlético Madrid was followed by an unusually public airing of frustrations from defender Lisandro Martínez, who argued that responsibility for the club’s troubles should not fall solely on the manager and players.

United conceded in the opening minute when Pablo Barrios’s effort beat Senne Lammens and slipped beneath Leny Yoro on its way over the line. United later created chances without converting them, while Atlético had a goal disallowed for handball and both teams struck the woodwork. Yoro was sent off, and Ademola Lookman added Atlético’s second after Lammens had saved Jonathan David’s attempt.

Speaking after the match, Martínez said: “Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas.” He called for more investment and said he expected more from technical director Jason Wilcox. Martínez also argued that the club could not “keep changing, changing, changing the manager” after, in his view, laying foundations for a stronger team the previous season.

He returned to the subject in a separate interview with former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, criticising Wilcox and the club’s transfer policy. The reaction to Martínez’s comments was divided: some considered his own performances made the criticism difficult to accept, while others felt such grievances should have been raised privately. The report also cited Jamie Jackson’s account that Martínez’s views were shared by many of his teammates.

The report suggested Martínez could face disciplinary consequences, but no punishment was confirmed. It also raised the possibility that he could seek a move in January, while noting that he may not be viewed as indispensable to the squad.