Lisandro Martinez Criticizes Man United Squad Planning After Defeat

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club hierarchy after a 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid, saying the squad was not prepared for elite competition. The loss extended United's winless run to five games.

According to ESPN, Atletico scored through Pablo Barrios inside the first minute and added another goal after Leny Yoro was sent off. Ademola Lookman completed the victory after a save by Senne Lammens.

Martinez addressed United's recruitment and squad depth after the match, focusing his criticism on decisions above the coaching staff. He also said players must improve their own performances.

"We had a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, from the people upstairs, to bring in more players to compete, because many teams have signed a lot of players as well," said Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United defender.

Martinez said United's current group lacks the depth needed for major European matches. He pointed to the need for stronger squad construction following the club's return to Champions League competition.

"This is not a Champions League quality squad. I think the players can do more, but it's also important to build a strong squad to be ready for these kinds of nights," said Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United defender.

The defender later singled out sporting leadership while continuing to defend manager Michael Carrick. Goal reported that Martinez expected greater investment from the club's technical department.

"I expect more. 100%. I expect more from our technical director. 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 these kinds of nights," said Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United defender.

Martinez said criticism should not focus only on the coach or players, arguing that wider football operations also needed review. He said Carrick was doing his best in the situation.

"You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager. But what about other areas? I can't say more. It's easy to say the coach and the players but also we have to see other areas," said Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United defender.

Former United players Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young also discussed the comments. BBC reported Rooney felt public criticism of the squad could damage team unity.

"Something like that will rip that dressing room apart," said Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United player.

Rooney compared Martinez's remarks with his own past public criticism of United and said such comments should usually remain inside the club. He said the situation required collective responsibility.

"It is disrespectful to his team-mates. He is saying his team-mates aren't good enough," said Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United player.

Manchester United finished third in the Premier League last season and returned to the Champions League after a three-year absence, according to BBC. The club had spent £155m on three midfielders during the summer transfer window.