Lisandro Martínez has publicly criticized Manchester United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, calling the recruitment strategy “failing,” a remark that echoes the growing frustration among the squad after a 2‑0 Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid. The defeat left United with only two wins in the season and a dismal start to the Premier League, with Michael Carrick’s team earning just six points from their first six matches – the worst opening in the club’s 40‑year history.
Martínez’s comments came in the wake of United’s poor performance and the club’s lack of depth in key positions. He said that while it is easy to blame the coach or the players, the real issue lies “in other areas,” specifically the transfer policy overseen by Wilcox. “I expect more investment, 100%,” Martínez told reporters, adding that the technical director must do more to build a squad capable of handling high‑pressure nights. The defender implied that the current squad is ill‑prepared for the demands of top‑flight football and that the club’s leadership has not provided sufficient resources.
Wilcox, who has been in charge of transfers for the past two seasons, spent £155 million in the most recent window on midfielders Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. The focus on midfielders, while neglecting other areas, has puzzled players, particularly given the absence of a reliable left‑back. United’s only senior left‑back, Luke Shaw, has been hampered by injuries throughout his 12‑year tenure and missed both the Atlético defeat and a 1‑1 draw with Tottenham due to a muscular problem. The club’s lack of depth at that position has become a point of contention, with many players feeling that Carrick has been left without the tools needed to compete.
United’s troubles extended beyond the league. The team were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton after making eight changes, and Carrick’s position remains under pressure after a mixed run of form. Although Carrick guided the club to a third‑place finish last season, that success came after he took over as caretaker in January, with the team only involved in league play and no other competitions.
Martínez’s outburst also hints at his personal ambitions. Reports suggest that he is looking to move on, ideally to a top European club outside the Premier League, as his contract expires next summer. The defender’s comments underline a broader sense of dissatisfaction within the United dressing room, with players demanding a more comprehensive approach to squad building and a clearer vision from the club’s hierarchy.