Martinez Criticizes Manchester United's Transfer Strategy
Defender Lisandro Martinez expressed disappointment with the club's hierarchy for failing to adequately strengthen the squad, particularly after securing Champions League qualification.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has sharply criticized the club's leadership for not reinforcing the team's roster, especially following their successful qualification for the Champions League. His comments come after United's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, a result that extended their winless streak to five games.
The team's last victory was against Sabah FK on September 10, with their only other win this season being a come-from-behind effort against newly promoted Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. Manchester United secured a third-place finish in the Premier League last term, marking their return to the Champions League after a three-year absence.
"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," Martinez stated. He acknowledged Atletico Madrid's strength, noting, "Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today."
Martinez emphasized his desire for greater investment, saying, "I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]. I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night. Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas."
His sentiments have been shared by external observers and some within the club. The lack of additional attacking options to support Benjamin Sesko and competition at left-back for Luke Shaw have been points of concern. This past summer, United reportedly spent £155 million on three midfielders without addressing other positions.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United chief executive Omar Berrarda were present at the Metropolitano Stadium for the match. Martinez suggested a need for stability beyond managerial changes: "You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can't say more. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team."
Martinez's remarks draw parallels to similar criticisms leveled by his Argentina teammate Cristian Romero against the Tottenham board last season. Romero was part of the Atletico squad facing United on Tuesday.
Martinez currently has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester United and an extension has not yet been agreed upon.