Lisandro Martinez has criticised Manchester United's recruitment and technical director Jason Wilcox after the club's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid. The 28-year-old defender said he expects more investment and more players to compete at the top level.
Martinez calls for stronger squad
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, Martinez addressed United's lacklustre start to the campaign and Wilcox's recruitment work. "I have to control myself a lot but sometimes is a reflection of the mirror of how is our club at the moment," he said. "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. Today, Atletico have an amazing team and they deserve to win today."
When asked about recruitment, the centre-back shared his thoughts on United's summer window: "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."
Previous run-ins with Ronaldo and club legends
This is not the first time Martinez has spoken his mind during his United career. Months after arriving from Ajax, he was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo storming down the tunnel before the final whistle of a 2-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur. Martinez said: "I didn't see anything. I don't know. I only enjoy with the people, we won, and that's important."
Ronaldo was subsequently left out of the squad for the next league game against Chelsea and made just four more appearances before his contract was terminated in November 2022.
Earlier this year, Martinez also entered into a war of words with club legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt after they questioned his ability to handle Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. After United won the Manchester derby in January, Martinez invited Scholes to talk face-to-face.
"Honestly, he (Scholes) can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to wherever he wants," the centre-back said. "To my house, wherever. I don't care. Everyone can talk on the television but when you sit here face to face, no one says anything in your face."
What's next for United
Martinez has proven his willingness to challenge high-profile figures throughout his four-year spell at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen whether the team will respond positively following the defender's latest comments as United prepare to face Leeds on Sunday.
