Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has renewed his criticism of the club’s hierarchy, insisting that the club must show greater ambition following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine defender stood by his earlier comments about United’s leadership, particularly sporting director Jason Wilcox, after another disappointing night for the English side.
United’s defeat in Madrid extended their winless run to five matches across all competitions, while the evening worsened when Leny Yoro received a straight red card in the 74th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Following the match, Martinez criticised the club’s recruitment and questioned whether manager Michael Carrick had received sufficient backing during the transfer window.
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Rather than retracting his remarks, the 28-year-old reiterated his concerns in a second interview with club legend Peter Schmeichel, calling for changes and greater investment in the squad.
Speaking to CBS Sports, Martinez said United lacked the depth to compete with other leading teams and needed to raise their standards.
He said: “We have many games, we have to rotate players, and for me we don’t have the best squad compared to other top teams. As a club, I expect more.”
The defender insisted he would continue speaking openly about the club’s shortcomings, arguing that honesty was necessary if United were to improve.
Martinez added: “I’m not gonna close my mouth; we need to have more ambition.
“I try to be positive and try to be honest. We have to change and do more because I think we are capable of being better.
“We have the players. But also, when you watch the games on television, you see the players and the manager and you point the finger, which is right, we take the responsibility.”
He concluded by demanding that United set higher objectives, including challenging for the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Martinez said: “But also, as a club, I expect more, you know? I expect more. I’m not going to close my mouth.
“We need more ambition.
“We need to talk more about winning the Champions League and winning the Premier League. If we don’t say the truth, nothing will change.”
However, the defender’s comments have attracted criticism from former United captain Wayne Rooney, who questioned the timing of the interviews and their potential impact on the dressing room.
Rooney suggested Martinez’s public criticism could undermine his team-mates at a time when unity was needed.
He said: “I think Martinez was very premeditated. It’s sad because when you need everyone to stick together as players, you can’t be told what’s going on above you.
“I think it’s a bit disrespectful to his teammates as well because he’s disrespecting his teammates; he’s saying they’re not good enough.”
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