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'We expected more from the top' - Martinez calls out Man Utd hierarchy

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez directed sharp criticism toward the club's hierarchy on Tuesday following a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Speaking in a post-match interview on Amazon Prime, the Argentina international stated that he anticipated greater squad investment from upstairs during the summer transfer window.

Martinez directly named technical director Jason Wilcox when addressing the recruitment decisions made ahead of the campaign. 'We had a fantastic season last season, and now we expect more from the top, from upstairs, to bring in more players to compete because many teams have brought in many players as well,' Martinez said.

When asked if he had anticipated more investment in the squad over the summer, the defender replied, 'Yes, 100 per cent.'

Expanding on his appraisal of the team's leadership, Martinez stated, 'I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest.

And also, as a player, we have to do more.' He emphasized that personnel depth is crucial for high-profile fixtures, explaining, 'It's also important to build a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.'

The defender also addressed the club's history of leadership turnover on the touchline. 'You can't keep changing, changing, changing managers.

What about other areas?' Martinez said. He chose not to elaborate further on the topic, adding, 'I can't say more...

because also tonight it's easy to say the coach, it's easy to say the players. But also we have to look at other areas.'

The 2-0 defeat in Madrid lengthened Manchester United's winless run to five matches across all competitions. The club's most recent victory occurred on 10 September against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK, alongside a win against Ipswich at Old Trafford as their only other victory this season.

Martinez's remarks follow a previous campaign in which Manchester United secured Champions League qualification by finishing third in the Premier League. The defender currently has one year remaining on his contract with the club and has not agreed to an extension.

During the summer transfer window, Manchester United invested £155 million, an expenditure directed primarily at three midfielders without additions in other roles such as striker or left-back. Club minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada were both present at the Metropolitano Stadium to watch the match.

This report also draws on coverage from BBC Sport, The New York Times, Forza Football, Daily Express.

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