Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez says the club’s hierarchy must do more to strengthen the squad after Tuesday’s defeat by Atletico Madrid, their fourth loss of the season.
United were beaten in Spain after Pablo Barrios opened the scoring early. Their task became more difficult when Leny Yoro was sent off, with Ademola Lookman then adding Atletico’s second goal.
The result means Manchester United have won only two matches in all competitions this season, increasing pressure on manager Michael Carrick. However, Martinez said responsibility for the team’s poor start should not fall only on the manager and players.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, the Argentina defender called for further investment at Old Trafford and said the club’s recruitment decisions also needed to be examined.
“Really poor. Really poor. I have to control myself a lot but sometimes is a reflection of the mirror of how is our club at the moment.
“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. Atletico have an amazing team and they deserve to win today.
“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.”
Martinez said United had created a platform during the previous campaign but had not added enough to it to compete with leading European teams. Asked which positions needed strengthening, he indicated that improvements were required throughout the squad.
“In general. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team.
“It is annoying, disappointing coming here and I am not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result here.”
The defender also rejected the idea that Carrick should carry the blame for United’s difficult start. Martinez said opponents learn how a team plays and that clubs must adapt between seasons rather than relying on previous success.
“I don’t think so. He does his best. Every season is different. You can’t stay with what you did last season. The teams knows how you play, they know every detail, if you don’t change next season is a big problem.
“You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can’t say more. Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas.”
Manchester United spent around £150m during the summer transfer window before Carrick’s first full season in charge. That investment was focused entirely on midfield, with Youri Tielemans arriving from Aston Villa, Andrey Santos joining from Chelsea and Carlos Baleba moving from Brighton in a big-money deal.
Despite that spending, Martinez believes United need further recruitment if they are to challenge consistently against elite opposition. His comments place responsibility not only on the team’s performances but also on those shaping the squad.
