Lisandro Martinez criticised Manchester United's hierarchy after the Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid, with the outburst reportedly linked to the use of Ayden Heaven at left-back. The Argentina international spoke out after the loss, which extended United's winless run to five games in all competitions.
Atletico went in front inside the first minute through Pablo Barrios and doubled their lead through Ademola Lookman. The second goal came after United defender Leny Yoro was sent off, but it was reportedly another member of the back line who played a part in Martinez's frustrations.
Left-back selection at centre of frustrations
According to The Sun, the World Cup winner was left "bemused" at manager Michael Carrick being forced to deploy Ayden Heaven at left-back. Heaven, 20, had never previously started a senior match in the position.
Carrick's hand was forced by a lack of fit options, with the manager opting for Heaven ahead of inexperienced left-back Harry Amass. Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui were all absent through injury. However, there appears to have been some frustration at the lack of investment in the position, with Shaw the only one of those three who can be described as a specialist left-back.
Martinez calls for stronger squad
Martinez said after the match that he expected more from United's technical director Jason Wilcox. The majority of the club's summer spending has come in midfield - Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba arrived at great expense - but there is some concern about the ability of the squad to repeat the strong showing from the second half of last season.
"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," Martinez said. "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."
Defender clears the air
The defender has since cleared the air with club staff and his focus is now on helping United get a result against Leeds United on Sunday. "Today I met with the club's leadership and the manager. It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday's game," he wrote on social media.
"Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity. The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the rights ones, and for that I want to apologise."
"Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not help with that. I know that every single person at Manchester United is doing everything possible to achieve our shared ambition: bringing the success that this club and its supporters deserve. With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together."
