Following Manchester United's defeat to Atlético Madrid in the group stage of the Champions League, Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martínez expressed his frustration at the club's lack of investment in key players. The match, which was played at the Metropolitano, left United with only two victories in the first nine games of the 2025/2026 season, a figure that provoked the ire of Martínez, who was very critical of the board and the team's management.
In his statement, the Argentine player described the team's performance as “really bad,” adding that “I have to control myself a lot.” He pointed out that Atlético's quality is indisputable and that they deserved their victory, but that United needs to strengthen to compete for the top positions in the table. “We had a fantastic season last year and now we expect more players to compete at the top of the table, because many teams bring those players,” he stated.
Martínez also called on the board to increase investment in the team. "I expect more investment. One hundred percent. I expect more from our technical director (Jason Wilcox). As players we have to work harder, but it is also important, when you have a strong club, to be prepared for a night like this," he explained. The Argentine recalled that the basis of the team was formed in the previous season, but that it is annoying and disappointing not to get results in the Metropolitano.
Regarding the coach's management, Martínez clarified that he did not direct his criticism at Michael Carrick, who has recently been appointed as the club's new coach. "He does everything possible. Every season is different, you can't stay with what you did last season. You can't keep changing and changing coaches," he said. He concluded that, although it is easy to criticize the coach or the players, it is also necessary to look at other aspects of the club.
United will have to rethink their transfer strategy and technical direction if they want to avoid repeating last season's situation and regain competitiveness in the Premier League and Champions League. The team's next match will be played at home against Real Madrid, where the performance of the players and the response of the board will be crucial to reorienting the campaign.