Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged Manchester United to drop Lisandro Martinez for their upcoming matches following the defender's angry comments after the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine took aim at the club's hierarchy, making it clear he believes the squad has not been strengthened sufficiently and directing criticism towards senior figures at Old Trafford.
Transfer investment under scrutiny
United invested £155million in three midfield signings during the summer, but other areas of the squad, particularly the defence, were left largely untouched. While Michael Carrick welcomed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, Martinez felt compelled to highlight the lack of reinforcements and competition throughout the team.
It is no secret that United missed out on several of their summer transfer targets. They pulled out of potential deals for the likes of Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes because of their asking prices, while they also failed to secure the signing of Lewis Hall, who had been identified as a key target at left-back.
Poor start to the season
After finishing third last season, United have endured a disappointing start to the current campaign, winning just one of their opening six Premier League games. Martinez's unexpected outburst has cast doubt over his involvement in Sunday's clash with Leeds United, while also raising further questions about his future at Old Trafford, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Although United could opt to issue the defender a fine, Hasselbaink believes a more severe punishment is warranted. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "His points are valid but do I think he should say it? That's a different story.
"But his points are valid. I expect him to not play the next match or the next few matches, you cannot come out publicly and say what you said."
Martinez responds with statement
It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds, with the club yet to comment publicly on the matter. On Wednesday, Martinez released a statement to his Instagram story, writing: "Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel.
"After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted. Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don't go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
"My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt. 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. My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge."
During his post-match media duties, he didn't hold back. 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. Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today. 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. Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas. You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can't say more. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team."
