Man Utd defender Lisandro Martinez slams board as Wayne Rooney reacts
Lisandro Martinez has launched a extraordinary post-match attack on Manchester United’s hierarchy following their 2-0 Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid, provoking a scathing response from club legend Wayne Rooney.
United’s winless streak stretched to five matches in Spain after early defensive frailties and a red card for Leny Yoro allowed Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman to secure victory for the hosts.
Despite United spending £155m in the summer, the Argentina defender publicly questioned technical director Jason Wilcox and the board for failing to adequately bolster the squad after finishing third last season.
Martinez targets United hierarchy over summer recruitment
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video after the final whistle, Martinez pulled no punches when assessing the club’s current predicament.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video after the match, Martinez said:
“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.”
The 28-year-old center-back insisted that responsibility for the team’s slide should not rest solely on manager Michael Carrick or the dressing room.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Martinez said:
“I expect more. 100%. I expect more from our technical director.”
Martinez added that managerial changes were not the answer, asking: “What about other areas? I can’t say more.”
Rooney accuses defender of self-interest and disrespect
The Argentine’s broadcast appearance did not sit well with former United captain Rooney, who was working as an analyst for Amazon Prime Video at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Rooney argued that Martinez’s public criticism was calculated and risked causing serious damage inside the squad.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Rooney said:
“It is disrespectful to his team-mates. He is saying his team-mates aren’t good enough.”
The former striker felt the interview was highly calculated rather than a mere emotional reaction.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Rooney said:
“It looks like a player trying to look after himself. It was very pre-meditated. It is sad because you need everyone to stick together, you need to be as one.”
Rooney reflected on his own career, recalling how he publicly questioned Sir Alex Ferguson over recruitment in 2010 before swiftly issuing an apology two days later.
He suggested that Martinez’s recent individual displays hardly earned him the right to lecture the board, adding that captain Bruno Fernandes was the only player who could conceivably voice such concerns.
Carrick urges calm ahead of Leeds showdown
Former United midfielder Ashley Young also weighed in, stating that while recruitment required improvement, the players on the pitch had to take accountability for results.
Carrick was quizzed about the defender’s comments during his post-match media duties but attempted to downplay the outburst.
The United manager noted that immediately after a loss was not the appropriate moment to address public statements, adding he needed to gather more details before determining any internal action.
With minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada watching on in Madrid, United now face immense pressure to halt their slide when they travel to Elland Road to play Leeds United on Sunday.
