# Martinez Criticizes Man Utd for Squad Weakness

> Lisandro Martinez accuses Manchester United of underinvesting after Champions League defeat.
- Title: Martinez Criticizes Man Utd for Squad Weakness · BBC Sport
- Summary: Lisandro Martinez accuses Manchester United of underinvesting after Champions League defeat. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the…
- Keywords: lisandro martinez, manchester united, atletico madrid, champions league, manchester united defender, champions league qualification, squad weakness, manchester united contract, jason wilcox, manchester united coach, manchester united ownership, manchester united debt
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crlykw9eevx3o
- Published: 2026-10-13T21:32:27.554+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: lisandro martinez, manchester united, atletico madrid, champions league, manchester united defender, champions league qualification, squad weakness, manchester united contract, jason wilcox, manchester united coach, manchester united ownership, manchester united debt
## 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
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
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 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
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.
## Key takeaway

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