Wayne Rooney has criticised Lisandro Martinez after the Manchester United defender used a post-match interview to hit out at the club's board following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. Rooney accused the Argentina international of having an 'agenda' and said his comments could 'rip a dressing room apart'.
Martinez's post-match outburst
United lost 2-0 in Spain, with goals from Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman securing victory for Atletico. Martinez then used the result to criticise the club's hierarchy, calling for more investment and specifically calling out technical director Jason Wilcox.
"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," Martinez said.
"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."
Rooney's response
Rooney, speaking in response to Martinez's comments, said the defender had "gone too far" and that such matters should remain internal. He also questioned the timing and motivation behind the interview.
"It's a difficult one because I always used to feel like I was outspoken as a player and you want to have your opinion but I think he's maybe gone too far," Rooney said. "That should be down to the manager and that should stay internal because the fans want to hear the players speak and they want to see them care."
"He clearly cares and wants the club to invest more money and more players and if they do that I think he'll be one of the players out of the door if I'm being honest with his performances. His performances haven't been good enough but I think in some ways he is right, in terms of the club need to invest more at the top end of the pitch and in defence as well."
'A bit of agenda'
Rooney added that Martinez's comments did not reflect the team's performance, which he felt was better than the result suggested. He also suggested the interview appeared planned.
"I think it looks like that was a bit of agenda from him because that doesn't mirror the performance, I thought the performance was better," Rooney added.
"I think it looks like a player trying to look after himself in my opinion. He's probably disappointed he hasn't been offered a new contract and there's reasons he's not been offered a new contract."
"I think the Martinez was very premeditated. Why is he doing the interview after this game? Has he put himself forward? I very rarely hear him speak. It looked a bit premeditated and something he spoke about with his team to get out there."
Rooney concluded that such public criticism could undermine unity within the squad during a difficult period, warning that it could "rip a dressing room apart".
