Manchester United crisis deepens as Martinez publicly criticizes club management

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has criticised the club’s management for failing to strengthen the squad adequately following their return to the Champions League.

The Argentine spoke after United suffered a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, extending their winless run to five matches.

According to BBC Sport, Martinez expressed frustration over the club’s summer transfer business, questioning whether sufficient investment had been made to compete against Europe’s leading teams.

“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.”

United spent £155 million on three midfielders during the summer but failed to strengthen other positions, including their attacking options and left-back.

Martinez also questioned the club’s repeated managerial changes.

“You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager,” he said. “What about other areas? I can’t say more.

“Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team.”

However, former United captain Wayne Rooney warned that Martinez’s comments could damage team unity.

“Something like that will rip that dressing room apart,” Rooney said.

“It is disrespectful to his team-mates,” he added. “He is saying his team-mates aren’t good enough.”

United manager Michael Carrick declined to criticise Martinez immediately, suggesting emotions following the defeat could have influenced his remarks.

“I haven’t seen the interview,” Carrick said. “I’ve half heard about it. It’s a bit about the emotions of the game.”

Carrick maintained that the squad remained united despite mounting pressure over disappointing results.

The defeat leaves United facing renewed scrutiny over recruitment decisions and their prospects of reversing their poor start to the season.