Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez publicly criticized the club’s board following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Martinez demanded greater investment in the squad, warning that the team’s current performance is a reflection of deeper issues within the organization after a winless five-game streak. The loss at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the second match of the 2026/27 campaign has left the club under pressure to react.
Martinez Demands Greater Investment
He noted that the squad failed to reach the standard of other major European teams.
Lisandro Martínez did NOT hold back after United's loss to Atletico 😬👀 pic.twitter.com/OGo25Pzd30
— https://x.com/primevideosport/status/2110119478176411773
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. I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox].
Martinez specifically highlighted a lack of competition at left-back for Luke Shaw and the absence of striking support for Benjamin Sesko. While acknowledging that players must also improve their own performances, he insisted that the responsibility extends beyond the dressing room. He stated that it is important when building a strong squad to be ready for high-stakes nights like this one.
Criticism of Team Performance and Leadership
The defeat to Atletico Madrid marks a low point in a season where Manchester United has struggled significantly. The team has gone five matches without a win, with their last victory coming on 10 September against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK. Their only other win this season came against newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, where the team had to come from behind. Martinez described the performance as very poor, very poor,
noting that it was a mirror reflection of the club’s current state.
He urged the club to return to its historical ambition, emphasizing that he would not stay silent regarding the team’s needs. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was present at the Metropolitano Stadium, seated next to chief executive Omar Berrada, as the team fell to the Spanish side.
Response from Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney
When questioned about the defender’s remarks, Carrick indicated he needed to learn more about the context of the comments before deciding on any internal action. He noted that while results might suggest something is deeply wrong, he has observed great willingness from his players.
The reaction from former United captain Wayne Rooney was far more critical. He argued that Bruno Fernandes is currently the only player with the right to voice such concerns.