Martinez Criticizes Man Utd for Squad Weakness

Lisandro Martinez accuses Manchester United of underinvesting after Champions League defeat.

Oct 13, 2026

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Martinez Criticizes Man Utd for Squad Weakness

Lisandro Martinez accuses Manchester United of underinvesting after Champions League defeat.

In brief

Lisandro Martinez accuses Manchester United of underinvesting after Champions League defeat. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club's leadership for failing to strengthen the squad following a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid. Originally reported by BBC Sport.

Martinez attacks Man Utd board

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club's leadership for not strengthening the squad after qualifying for the Champions League.

“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”

Five-game winless streak

United have gone five games without a win since their last victory against Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK on 10 September.

Champions League qualification

Champions League qualification

The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League last term to secure a Champions League return for the first time in three years.

Interim coach Michael Carrick

Carrick won 12 of 17 games in interim charge following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January to earn a permanent two-year contract.

Martinez's expectations

Martinez expects more investment from the technical director Jason Wilcox and stronger squad preparation for Champions League matches.

“I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [jason wilcox]”

Squad weaknesses highlighted

Squad weaknesses highlighted

The failure to bring in striking support for Benjamin Sesko and competition at left-back for Luke Shaw has been noted despite £155m spent on midfielders.

Ownership pressure

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada have faced criticism for recent decisions including manager dismissals and ticket pricing.

Manager changes

United sacked managers in the past two seasons after backing them the previous summer, with Erik ten Hag dismissed in October 2.024 and Amorim in January 2026.

Martinez's contract status

Martinez's contract status

Martinez has one year left on his United contract and has yet to agree an extension.

Player reactions

Former United players Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young criticized Martinez for speaking too openly and potentially damaging team cohesion.

“Something like that will rip that dressing room apart”

Managerial criticism

Former England striker Alan Shearer felt Carrick had been let down by the club's recent squad decisions.

Squad strength concerns

Squad strength concerns

United's overall debt stands at £1.1bn, with fans criticizing the £63.5m spent on land for a new stadium instead of strengthening the squad.

Champions League history

United have only qualified for the Champions League in successive seasons twice since Ferguson retired in 2013.

Carrick's response

Carrick stated he hadn't seen Martinez's interview and would need more time before responding to the comments.

“I haven't seen the interview, i've half heard about it. It's a bit about the emotions of the game.”

The short version

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club's leadership for failing to strengthen the squad following a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid.

Read the original on BBC Sport

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