Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged Manchester United to drop Lisandro Martinez for their forthcoming fixtures following the defender's outspoken remarks after the Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine criticised the club's hierarchy, making it clear he feels the squad has not been adequately strengthened, and levelled criticism at senior figures at Old Trafford.
Summer transfer frustrations
United spent £155million on three midfield signings over the summer, yet other areas of the squad, most notably the defence, were left largely unaddressed. While Michael Carrick welcomed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to the club, Martinez drew attention to the absence of reinforcements and genuine competition throughout the ranks.
It is widely known that United fell short on a number of their summer transfer targets. They withdrew from potential deals for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes due to their price tags, and also missed out on Lewis Hall, who had been earmarked as a priority target at left-back.
Poor start to the season
Following a third-place finish last season, United have suffered a difficult beginning to the current campaign, claiming victory in just one of their opening six Premier League fixtures. Martinez's comments have thrown his participation in Sunday's encounter with Leeds United into doubt, while also prompting fresh speculation about his future at Old Trafford, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
While United could choose to hand the defender a fine, Hasselbaink believes a stricter sanction is required. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "His points are valid but do I think he should say it? That's a different story. But his points are valid. I expect him to not play the next match or the next few matches, you cannot come out publicly and say what you said."
Martinez's statement
On Wednesday, Martinez issued a statement to his Instagram story, writing: "Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel. After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted. Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don't go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
"My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt. When I talk about wanting more, I'm talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club. To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.
"I know that, first and foremost, it's us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility. We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top. I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward. I'm convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment. My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge."
The Argentine defender made no attempt to hide his frustration during his post-match media commitments, stating: "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. 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. You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can't say more. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team."
It remains to be seen how the situation develops, with the club yet to comment publicly on the matter.
