Lisandro Martinez blasts United hierarchy after Atletico defeat

Martinez demands stronger squad

Lisandro Martinez used the aftermath of Manchester United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid to challenge the club’s leadership over summer recruitment. The defender said United needed more players to compete after qualifying for the competition, arguing that the squad had not been strengthened enough.

“I expect more [investment]. 100 per cent,” Martinez said, adding that he expected more from technical director Jason Wilcox. He acknowledged that players also had to improve, but insisted the club needed to build a squad capable of handling nights like the one in Madrid.

Martinez said Atletico “deserved to win” and described United as lacking a “Champions League quality squad.” He argued that it was too easy to blame the manager or the players alone, and said the club had to look at other areas as well. United’s defeat extended their winless run to five matches.

Rooney warns of dressing-room fallout

Former United captain Wayne Rooney criticised Martinez’s decision to air his concerns publicly. “Something like that will rip that dressing room apart,” Rooney said, arguing that the comments risked being disrespectful to teammates and would not help the club’s situation. Ashley Young also said the remarks had gone too far.

United’s summer spending was reported to have focused on three midfield signings, while needs elsewhere in the squad were left unresolved. Martinez’s comments put those recruitment questions in sharp focus as the club faces continued pressure following its latest defeat.