Senior Manchester United players agree with Lisandro Martinez following the defender's criticism of the club's recruitment after the Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine publicly targeted technical director Jason Wilcox over the club's summer spending, yet Wilcox's job is reportedly not under threat.
Martinez criticises summer investment
United invested £155million rebuilding their midfield, bringing in Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos. Despite the significant outlay, United's start to the season has been dire, and Martinez did not hold back in his assessment after the latest defeat.
Speaking to Amazon Prime following the defeat, he stated: "I expect more [investment]. 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director. 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."
Players share Martinez's views
The Times claims some first-team players share Martinez's views regarding the limited summer transfer business, though United's minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe maintains strong confidence in Wilcox. The report indicates that head coach Michael Carrick had similarly anticipated additional signings during the summer window, yet has refrained from publicly addressing the shortage of new additions.
Nevertheless, Ratcliffe attended Tuesday evening's fixture in Madrid, and the report suggests Wilcox's role remains secure. Last week, it was claimed that United chiefs privately accepted their shortcomings in the window and that the failure to sign a new left-back was a mistake amid their problems in that position.
Martinez stands by remarks
Martinez stood by his remarks following the victory against Atletico, conceding he "spoke out in anger and frustration" while insisting: "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."
United face a tricky test away at Leeds next up as they look to get their season back on track.
