Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has challenged the club’s hierarchy to strengthen the squad, arguing that the team’s return to the Champions League should have been followed by a more ambitious recruitment strategy.
The Argentine centre-back made the remarks after United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, extending their winless run to five matches and increasing pressure on the club’s leadership over its transfer decisions.
United finished third in the Premier League last season to secure Champions League football for the first time in three years. Martinez believes the achievement should have prompted the club to recruit more players capable of competing at the highest level.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Martinez said the team had laid the groundwork for progress last season but needed additional quality to build on that success.
He singled out technical director Jason Wilcox, suggesting the club should have invested more heavily in the squad, while acknowledging that the players also needed to improve their performances.
“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 reportedly spent approximately £155 million on three midfielders during the summer transfer window, but concerns remain over other areas of the squad.
The lack of additional striking support for Benjamin Sesko and competition for left-back Luke Shaw have been identified as potential weaknesses.
Martinez also questioned the club’s repeated reliance on managerial changes to address its struggles. Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, while Ruben Amorim left the club in January 2026.
Michael Carrick, who took interim charge following Amorim’s departure, won 12 of his 17 matches before being appointed permanent manager on a two-year contract.
Martinez argued that improving the squad and other aspects of the club was necessary, rather than placing responsibility for the team’s difficulties solely on the coach.
However, former United captain Wayne Rooney criticised the defender for raising his concerns publicly, warning that the comments could undermine unity within the dressing room.
Rooney argued that Martinez’s remarks risked suggesting his teammates were not good enough and said such concerns would be better addressed internally.
Former United defender Ashley Young also questioned the timing of the criticism, maintaining that players must take responsibility for their performances regardless of the club’s recruitment decisions.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson offered a more sympathetic assessment, saying Martinez had raised legitimate questions about the squad’s depth but expressing doubts about whether speaking out immediately after a defeat was helpful.
The dispute adds to the scrutiny facing United’s leadership as the club attempts to regain consistency. Martinez has one year remaining on his contract and has yet to agree to an extension, leaving uncertainty over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
