Martinez slams Man Utd board over poor start to season
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has slammed the club’s board following the 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Red Devils have failed to win their last five matches in all competitions, while earning six points from six matches in the Premier League.
The Argentine defender questioned the club’s ambition in the transfer market, while calling out technical director Jason Wilcox in an explosive rant at the post-match conference.
Martinez said: “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 [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.
“Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas.”
Michael Carrick took over the reins in January following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, and he won 12 out of the 17 matches in charge to qualify the team for the Champions League.
The Red Devils only brought in the likes of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba, and Karl Darlow, and they failed to bring in any big-money signing despite the glaring need for reinforcement in the attack and defence.
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Martinez opined that the solution is not always sacking coaches after poor performances.
He concluded: “You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager,” said Martinez. “What about other areas? I can’t say more.
“Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney disagreed with Martinez on the rant, claiming that it will rip the dressing room apart.
He said: “Something like that will rip that dressing room apart.
“It is disrespectful to his team-mates,” he said. “He is saying his team-mates aren’t good enough.
“Bruno [Fernandes] is the only one with any right to say that. Behind closed doors, it happens – but that interview isn’t going to help…
“[Martinez] has tried to speak on behalf of the players but done it the wrong way.
“It looks like a player trying to look after himself. It was very premeditated. It is sad because you need everyone to stick together, you need to be as one.”
Manchester United have only qualified for the Champions League in successive seasons twice since Ferguson retired in 2013.
The Red Devils will return to action in the Premier League against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday in a bid to end their winless run.
