Lisandro Martinez is facing punishment from Manchester United after one team-mate challenged him on the flight home from Madrid following his explosive post-match interview. The defender criticised the club's hierarchy for not signing enough players in the summer transfer window, leaving the team unprepared for the Champions League.
The 28-year-old also took aim at director of football Jason Wilcox, saying he 'expects more' from him. His comments came after Michael Carrick's team suffered a controversial 2-0 loss against Atletico Madrid.
Team-mate confrontation
Although a large portion of United's fans are on Martinez's side, at least one team-mate disagreed with the decision to voice his frustration. Sky Sports report that one player challenged the Argentine over his comments as the squad boarded the plane to fly back to Manchester.
The club's board have also not taken kindly to his interview. Martinez is very likely to be hit with a fine, and it remains to be seen whether he'll be dropped from the squad for Sunday's game away to Leeds.
Future at Old Trafford uncertain
His long-term future at Old Trafford is uncertain. Martinez's contract is due to expire at the end of this season, and while United have the option to trigger a one-year extension, club chiefs are actively looking to sign a centre-back and find ways of reducing their wage bill.
The ex-Ajax star has been keen to leave for some time, hoping for a move to Atletico this summer. United paid £57 million for Martinez in 2022, and he has won two trophies, both under former manager Erik ten Hag.
Carrick questioned
Carrick said after the defeat in Spain that he hadn't seen the full interview, but he'll no doubt be questioned on it later this week ahead of United's trip to Elland Road.
Martinez told Prime Video Sport: "Really poor. Really poor. I have to control myself a lot but sometimes is a reflection of the mirror of how is our club at the moment."
"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."
"I expect more [investment]. 100 per cent. 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."
"In general. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team. It is annoying, disappointing coming here and I am not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result here. It's disappointing."
He added: "You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can't say more. Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas."
