Lisandro Martinez launched a scathing attack on Manchester United's hierarchy and his own team-mates after Tuesday night's defeat by Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.
The Red Devils, under head coach Michael Carrick, arrived in the Spanish capital under pressure after a poor start left them 13th in the Premier League and eliminated from the Carabao Cup in the first round.
Things worsened in Madrid as a ten-man United were beaten by Atletico, prompting a furious response from the unsettled squad.
Summer signings fail to deliver
United's summer transfer business has quickly been found wanting. The new midfield of Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos all started in Madrid but were ineffectual, while an ageing and patchy defence remains unaddressed.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, Martinez said he felt let down by the club's executives.
"Really poor. Really poor," he began, summarising the performance. "I have to control myself a lot but sometimes is a reflection of the mirror of how our club is at the moment."
Martinez demands more investment
He said United's squad deserved more substantial summer investment after qualifying for the Champions League last season.
"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 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."
Team-mates accused of lacking effort
Martinez then turned his attention to his team-mates, saying some did not put in the requisite effort to get a result at Atletico.
Pressed on where United still need to strengthen, he added: "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."
Carrick backed despite pressure
Many have called for Carrick's dismissal as poor performances continue, with Antonio Conte and Eddie Howe both available. Martinez defended Carrick, though, saying United would not necessarily benefit from scapegoating another head coach but acknowledging results need to improve.
"I don't think so. He does his best. Every season is different. You can't stay with what you did last season. The teams knows how you play, they know every detail, if you don't change next season is a big problem."
"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."
