Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid exposed more than the team’s struggles on the pitch. Argentine star Lisandro Martinez turned his post-match frustration towards the club’s hierarchy and demanded a better transfer market.
On Tuesday, United lost 2-0 in Madrid, continuing their winless run to five games in all competitions. However, the outcome was just a part of the whole picture, as Martinez asked whether the management had done enough to create a team that would be able to play at the highest level.
After the match, United’s defender stated that the blame should not only lie with the players or manager Michael Carrick.
Martinez Questions United Recruitment
Martinez did not hide his disappointment with United’s summer recruitment, insisting that the club should have strengthened further after laying the foundations for a successful campaign last season.
“We did a fantastic season last season. And now we expect more from the top, from up, to bring more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well,” Martinez said.
The defender also pointed towards technical director Jason Wilcox, making his expectations of the club’s recruitment department clear.
“I expect more from our technical director. I would have to be honest, as the players, we have to do more, but it’s just important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night,” he added.
United invested around $213 million in their summer recruitment, but their difficult start to the season has raised questions about whether the squad has enough depth and quality to compete consistently in domestic and European competitions.
Martinez Defends Carrick Amid Pressure
With United struggling for results, Carrick has come under increasing scrutiny. Martinez, however, suggested that repeatedly changing managers would not address every problem at the club.
“You start changing, changing, changing manager. But what about other areas?” the defender asked before adding, “I can’t say more.”
Martinez also acknowledged that the players needed to take responsibility for their performances, making it clear that his criticism was not an attempt to absolve the squad of blame.
Atletico Madrid Defeat Deepens Manchester United Crisis
United’s night in Madrid got off to the worst possible start when Pablo Barrios scored in the opening minute. Ademola Lookman then struck in the second half to seal Atletico’s 2-0 victory.
The defeat extended United’s winless streak to five matches, while the club had managed only one Premier League victory and sat 13th in the standings.
Reflecting on the performance, Martinez described the result as “annoying” and “disappointing”, particularly because he felt the team had not done enough to challenge Atletico.
“Last season we did everything, we create the base to be an amazing team,” he concluded.