Former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has called on Manchester United to suspend Lisandro Martinez for publicly criticising the club’s hierarchy.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Hasselbaink said that although he agreed with the defender’s concerns, Martinez should face consequences for airing them publicly rather than addressing them through internal channels.
“His points are valid, but do I think he should say it? That’s a different story. But his points are valid. I expect him to not play the next match or the next few matches. You cannot come out publicly and say what you said,” Hasselbaink said.
Martinez criticised the club’s recruitment strategy following Manchester United’s 2–0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, October 13. He said he expected more investment in the squad and questioned whether director of football Jason Wilcox had done enough to strengthen the team.
On Wednesday, October 14, the Argentine defender issued a statement acknowledging that he had spoken out of anger and frustration following the defeat. However, he stood by his comments, stressing that he wanted the club to compete for major honours.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said after the match that he had not watched Martinez’s interview and declined to comment on the remarks immediately after the defeat.
EPL: Michael Carrick told to drop Lisandro Martinez from Man United squad