Lisandro Martinez calls out Man Utd hierarchy in explosive interview after Atletico defeat
The United defender demanded stronger recruitment and questioned why managers take the blame while other areas escape scrutiny.
Lisandro Martinez criticised Manchester United’s hierarchy after their defeat at Atletico Madrid, demanding better recruitment and questioning why scrutiny so often falls on the manager.
The defender delivered his assessment on Prime Video after Tuesday’s 2–0 Champions League loss, which extended United’s winless run to five matches in all competitions.
Martinez accepted that the players needed to improve, but argued that United had failed to build a squad capable of competing with their rivals. His criticism included a pointed reference to the executive responsible for football operations.
Martinez demands more from United’s recruitment
“I expect more from our technical director,” Martinez said.
Jason Wilcox is United’s director of football, although Martinez used the technical director title during the interview.
Asked whether he had expected greater investment during the summer, the Argentina international made his disappointment clear. He felt the previous season had provided a foundation for improvement and wanted United to strengthen from that position.
He also acknowledged Atletico’s quality and accepted that the Spanish side deserved their victory.
His assessment extended beyond recruitment. Martinez said the players shared responsibility and needed to deliver more themselves, while stressing the importance of having a stronger squad for demanding European fixtures.
Martinez questions the focus on changing managers
Martinez offered support for Michael Carrick, saying the United manager was doing his best.
He also warned that teams must keep developing because opponents learn their approach, rather than relying on what worked the previous season.
When the discussion turned to managers losing their jobs, Martinez challenged the focus on the dugout.
“You start changing, changing, changing managers. But what about other areas?”
He initially indicated that he would say no more, then returned to his point: responsibility for United’s problems needed to extend beyond the coach and the players.
