Lisandro Martinez criticises Manchester United board over squad depth

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has launched a public critique of the club's hierarchy, accusing management of failing to properly bolster the squad for Champions League competition. Speaking after a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on October 13, 2026, Martinez emphasised that the club needed more significant investment to compete effectively at the highest level. The loss in Madrid extended United’s winless streak to five matches, intensifying the pressure on both the coaching staff and the executive leadership.

During his assessment of the team's current struggles, the Argentine international specifically called for improvements from technical director Jason Wilcox. While Martinez acknowledged that the players themselves must take responsibility for their performances on the pitch, he argued that the squad lacks the necessary depth to sustain a successful campaign across multiple fronts. This public display of frustration marks a significant shift in tone following what was considered a more successful domestic and European run last season.

The defender's comments have sparked a debate regarding internal discipline and the atmosphere within the Carrington training ground. Former United captain Wayne Rooney suggested that such public outbursts could lead to friction within the dressing room and undermine the authority of the management. However, many supporters have expressed solidarity with Martinez, praising his honesty about the perceived stagnation of the squad’s development despite qualifying for Europe's premier competition.

As Manchester United looks to snap its five-game winless run, the focus remains on how the board and Jason Wilcox will respond to one of their most prominent players' demands. With the January transfer window approaching, the pressure is mounting on the leadership to provide the reinforcements Martinez claims are vital to turning the season around. The situation highlights a growing rift between the playing body and the executive branch over the long-term direction of the club's recruitment strategy.