Lisandro Martínez criticises Manchester United hierarchy after 2-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid
Lisandro Martínez criticised Manchester United’s hierarchy after their 2-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid, saying the result “reflects how our club is” in comments published on 13 October 2026. The Argentina defender called for further investment and singled out areas beyond the playing staff.
Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman scored as United lost 2-0 at Atlético Madrid, a defeat Martínez described as a “mirror” of the club’s current state. “Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas,” he said, pointing upwards, and added: “It is annoying, disappointing coming here and I am not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result here.”
Martínez summarised his view of the performance in blunt terms: “Really poor, really poor. I have to control myself a lot but sometimes is a reflection of the mirror of how is our club at the moment.”
On recruitment and the club’s structure he was explicit: “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. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team.”
The report notes United made only three major signings in the summer — Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans — plus back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds. The club won 12 of 17 games under Michael Carrick last season but have won only twice in all competitions so far this term and have suffered the worst start to a league campaign in 40 years.
Asked whether the manager had been backed sufficiently, Martínez said: “I don’t think so. He does his best. Every season is different. You can’t stay with what you did last season. The teams knows how you play, they know every detail, if you don’t change next season [it] is a big problem. “You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas?” Martínez added, looking up. “I can’t say more.”
When Martínez’s remarks were put to Carrick, the manager replied: “I haven’t seen the interview. I have half-heard about it. I think it’s a little bit the emotions of the game [talking]. I have to find out a bit more about it to be honest to decide what and if anything is going to be done. I can’t comment further.” Carrick also said he did not understand Leny Yoro’s red card, that his side had “four almost one vs ones” and that “There’s willing, and [they are] disappointed that they haven’t come out of here with something. We think we could have, should have.”
Carrick stated he will seek further information before deciding “what and if anything is going to be done,” leaving the club’s response to Martínez’s criticisms as the immediate next step.