Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has angered club officials following his remarkable outburst after last night’s 2-0 Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid.
After last season’s surprising third-placed finish in the Premier League, the 20-time English champions were expected to kick on under the stewardship of Michael Carrick. However, a disappointing transfer window, which saw the arrival of just three midfielders and a back-up goalkeeper, has seen them suffer a dreadful start to the campaign.
Last night’s reverse at Riyadh Air Metropolitano was their fifth successive game without a win. In fact, the Red Devils have picked up just two victories so far this season, against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Sabah FK in the Champions League.
What Did Martinez Say?
Despite the result, there were largely positive signs for Carrick and co. last night. Although they conceded the opening goal within a minute, there were big chances from the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes before defender Leny Yoro was harshly dismissed in the 74th minute.
That red card ultimately killed the game, especially when former Leicester City loanee Ademola Lookman doubled Diego Simeone’s side’s advantage five minutes later. Following the game, Argentine international Martinez was interviewed by Amazon Prime Video, where he launched an astonishing tirade on the Manchester United hierarchy:
“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. 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.”
The centre-back was then pressed about Michael Carrick’s future, to which he respinded:
“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.”
What Is Manchester United’s Reaction?
Unsurprisingly, Martinez’s comments have made headline news around the world. It was reported this morning that his view is one that is shared by the majority of the dressing room.
However, according to Sky Sports, the remarks have upset some of the senior members of the squad, who feel that it is a direct criticism of their ability. Furthermore, it is said that the former Ajax defender’s days at Old Trafford are numbered.
The 28-year-old is under contract until the end of the season, although there is a clause in the deal to extend by another 12 months. That now appears unlikely to be triggered, especially because he was keen to move on over the summer.
The report also states that director of football Jason Wilcox is safe in his role, despite seemingly being the man on the receiving end of Martinez’s outburst. It’s worth noting that Carrick refused to be drawn into the debate in the aftermath of the game, stating it would be wrong for him to comment until he had heard what had been said.
United are next in action on Sunday afternoon when they travel to rivals Leeds United. It remains to be seen as to whether the Argentine is a part of the matchday squad.
