Lisandro Martinez launched a public attack on Manchester United's hierarchy after the team's 2-0 Bigger Cup defeat at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, demanding more investment and questioning the club's transfer policy.
Speaking to Amazon Prime's pitchside reporter Gabriel Clarke after the match, the Argentine defender said: "Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas. I expect more [investment], 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team. You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can't say more."
Martinez doubles down in second interview
Moments later, Martinez continued his criticism in an interview with Peter Schmeichel for CBS's Bigger Cup B@nter Show, again targeting Wilcox and United's transfer policy. The former Manchester United goalkeeper, now a global ambassador for the club, appeared visibly flustered as Martinez vented, despite repeated attempts to change the subject.
Opinions on Martinez's post-match outburst were divided. Some argued that a player who has been part of so many poor defensive performances this season has no right to criticise his teammates, while others said club matters should be discussed behind closed doors. Big Website's Jamie Jackson reported that Martinez was expressing an opinion shared by most of his teammates.
United's poor performance in Madrid
The match itself saw United fall behind in the opening minute when Pablo Barrios's shot beat Senne Lammens, squeezed under Leny Yoro, and crossed the line. United created chances they failed to take, Atletico had a goal ruled out by VAR for handball, and both sides hit the woodwork. The contest effectively ended when Yoro was shown a red card, and Ademola Lookman scored Atletico's second after Lammens saved from Jonathan David.
Martinez, who has struggled for form this season, may face punishment for his public comments, with a hefty fine and training with the youth team potentially on the cards. With his contract running until June, he could also be angling for a January exit from the club.
