'I expect more': Martinez slams United hierarchy after Atleti loss
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez calls for more investment from the club's technical director following a Champions League loss.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has launched a stinging critique against the club's leadership following a bruising 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The Argentine defender expressed deep frustration with the club's recruitment strategy, specifically targeting the technical director for failing to bolster the squad during the summer transfer window.
Demand for greater investment
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, Martinez did not hold back regarding the lack of movement in the transfer market. He suggested that while the team has shown potential in the past, the current management has failed to provide the necessary tools to compete with Europe's elite.
"I have to control myself a lot, but sometimes it's a reflection of how our club is at the moment," Martinez admitted. "We had a fantastic season last season, and now we expect more from the top, from upstairs, to bring in more players to compete because many teams have brought in many players as well."
The defender was blunt about his expectations for the club's recruitment department, stating: "I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest."
Shifting the blame away from the manager
While acknowledging that the players must also step up their performance, Martinez argued that the responsibility for the club's struggles should not be placed solely on the shoulders of the coaching staff or the players on the pitch. He pointed toward the administrative and structural levels of the club as key areas requiring scrutiny.
Regarding manager Michael Carrick, Martinez was quick to offer support, noting that the coach is doing his utmost in a difficult situation. "He does his best," Martinez said. "But every season is different. You can't stay with what you did last season. The teams know how you play... If you don't change, next season is a big problem."
The defender concluded his remarks by hinting that systemic issues beyond the dugout are contributing to the team's current struggles, stating, "It is easy to say the coach, it is easy to say the players, but also we have to see other areas."
Carrick responds to post-match tension
In the post-match press conference, Michael Carrick addressed the atmosphere following the defeat. While he admitted to feeling "bitterly disappointed" by the team's performance, he noted that he had not yet seen Martinez's specific comments and suggested the defender's outburst was likely fueled by the immediate emotions of the loss.
"I think it's a little bit about the emotions of the game as well, coming here and being disappointed not to get something from the game," Carrick remarked. "Straight after a game, for me, is not the time to talk about that... I think it's important for us to move forward quickly."
With a significant fixture approaching this Sunday, Carrick emphasized the need for the squad to shake off the disappointment and refocus on their upcoming campaign.