Lisandro Martinez beats Man United scoreboard after Atlético loss: Does he have a point?

Manchester United’s defeat to Atletico Madrid has opened up another debate at Old Trafford, this time about the people who run the club and not just those on the pitch. United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has publicly questioned the hiring hierarchy, but his comments have also drawn criticism from former United players who believe he risked unsettling the dressing room at a difficult time.

United lost 2-0 in Madrid on Tuesday. extending their winless streak to five games. They finished third in the Premier League last season and returned to the Champions League, but spent their summer transfer budget largely on midfield, leaving questions about supporting Benjamin Cesko and competition for Luke Shaw.

Martinez addressed the issue in his post-match interview with Amazon Prime, calling for greater investment from director of football Jason Wilcox.

“Really poor. Really poor…” We had a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top players, more players to compete because many teams also bring many players. Atletico have an amazing team and they deserve to win today,” Martinez said. Lisandro Martinez, led by United’s defence, could not contain Atletico. (Photo: Reuters)

“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’s also important when you build a strong team to be ready for a night like this,” he added.

Martinez wasn’t the only United player to express frustration.

Amad Diallo posted a “F**king shame” on social media after the defeat. He did not specify what and who he was referring to, so the post cannot be taken as a confirmed criticism of the board.

UNITED LEGENDS BACK ON MARTINEZ

Martinez’s criticism did not go down well with two former United players who watched the slide unfold. Wayne Rooney felt the defender had crossed a line by making his concerns public, especially when United need the team to pull together instead of turning against each other.

“Something like that tears the dressing room apart,” Rooney said.

“It’s disrespectful to his team-mates. He says his team-mates are not good enough. Bruno (Fernandes) is the only one who has the right to say that. It happens behind closed doors – but this conversation won’t help,” he added.

Rooney also questioned Martinez’s decision to speak on behalf of the players, suggesting the conversation could be seen as an attempt to protect himself rather than help the team.

“(Martinez) tried to speak for the players, but he did it in the wrong way. It looks like the player was trying to take care of himself. It was very thoughtful. It’s sad because you need everyone to stick together, you have to be as one.”

Ashley Young shared Rooney’s concerns about the timing, although he did not dismiss the need for better recruitment. He felt that the players also have to take responsibility for what happens on the pitch.

“We know the recruiting has to work and be better, but the players have to be better,” Young said. “They are the ones who have to produce.

Young warned that Martinez’s comments could dominate the conversation for days and distract from United’s otherwise more encouraging performance.

DOES MARTINEZ HAVE VALUE?

There is good reason for Martinez’s frustration, especially when United’s summer recruitment is judged beyond the headline spending figure.

The club spent around £155m on midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrea Santos and Youri Tielemans during the summer, but did not sign another striker to support Benjamin Cesko or a specialist left-back to compete with Luke Shaw. United’s midfield was woeful against Atletico Madrid. (Photo: Reuters)

United’s recruitment has left gaps and repeated managerial changes have raised questions about the club’s long-term football plan. Erik ten Hag was released in October 2024, while Ruben Amorim left in January 2026, despite both being promoted in the transfer market. The repeated kick-off changes call for scrutiny as to whether United have a consistent long-term plan, or whether each new manager is expected to work hard before the club changes direction again.

Spending money is not the same as building a balanced team, especially when the team is competing in Europe.

But Martinez’s argument isn’t a complete defense of the players. He acknowledged that United needed to do more on the pitch and their defeat to Atlético served as a reminder of that responsibility. A first-minute concession put them on the back foot, while a red card for Leny Yoro made their task more difficult. Recruiting can explain gaps in a team, but it can’t account for every lapse in concentration or missed opportunity.

CARRICK CALLS FOR UNITY AFTER DEFEAT

The timing of Martinez’s comments put Carrick in an awkward position. The United head coach was asked for an interview in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, in which his side conceded early and then lost to Leny Yoro through a red card. Rather than be drawn into a public spat with his defender, Carrick has stressed that he wants the squad to stick together and focus on improving results.

“I didn’t see it. After a game like this, you come here to try to get something out of the game and you’re disappointed and you can be emotional,” he said. “I haven’t seen it, so I don’t think it’s the right time. Carrick wants United to stick together in these tough times. (Photo: Reuters)

Carrick added that he has no doubts about the commitment of the players despite the run of results.

“We all care and show it in different ways, but now is the time to be together and work,” he said. “As a group, I have no doubts about the togetherness or their desire to win. When you look at the results, you can say it’s deeply bad, but it’s not.”

United have little time to deal with the consequences. They travel to Leeds United on Sunday 18 October before taking on Como away in the Champions League on 21 October. Bournemouth then visit Old Trafford on October 25. The three games offer Carrick a chance to settle the season, but Wilcox and the hierarchy’s scrutiny will remain until results improve and recruitment questions are answered.

– The end