Manchester United’s recent 2‑0 defeat to Atlético Madrid has exposed deeper frustrations within the club, as midfielder Lisandro Martínez openly criticised the ownership and senior management after the match. Speaking to Amazon Prime in Madrid, the 28‑year‑old blamed the club’s decision‑makers for a lack of investment that he said has left United behind rivals in the Champions League.
Martínez’s comments came after a third loss in five games for United, a run that has seen the team win only once in seven outings. He said the club’s owners – the Glazers, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox – have failed to back manager Michael Carrick with the resources needed to compete at the highest level. “We did a fantastic season last year and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete,” he told the broadcaster. “Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players, but we have to look at other areas.” Martínez added that the club’s transfer budget of £150 million was insufficient, pointing out that rivals such as Manchester City (£450 m), Chelsea and Tottenham (£300 m each) and Liverpool (£227 m) had spent far more on new signings. He criticised the lack of depth in key positions, noting the absence of a Premier League‑standard right back and the injury problems that left Luke Shaw and striker Benjamin Sesko unavailable for the match.
Carrick, who has been praised for his diplomatic approach, responded to the criticism by calling Martínez’s remarks an “emotional” reaction to the loss. He denied that the club’s performance was solely the fault of the players or the manager, but the midfielder’s statements have already put the club’s senior hierarchy under scrutiny. Martínez singled out Wilcox, who has a limited budget set by Berrada, as responsible for not pushing for more funds. Berrada, in turn, has set an ambitious target of a title win in 2028 for the club’s 150th anniversary, a goal that many feel is unrealistic given the current financial constraints.
The fallout from Martínez’s interview could intensify pressure on the Glazers and Ratcliffe, who are already criticised by supporters for their perceived lack of investment. The club’s poor form has also raised questions about the effectiveness of its leadership structure, with commentators noting that the lack of a clear, cohesive strategy has left United vulnerable to rivals who have made significant spending moves. If United’s ownership refuses to unlock additional resources, the blame will likely remain with the club’s senior management.
The next match for United will be against Leeds United on Sunday, a game that will test whether the team can recover from its current slump. Whether Martínez’s candid comments will spark a broader conversation about investment and direction at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but the midfielder’s willingness to speak out has already shaken the club’s internal dynamics and may prompt a reassessment of how United competes in Europe and the Premier League.