Lisandro Martinez launched a scathing attack on Man Utd's transfer strategy after the 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid, prompting a teammate confrontation on the flight home
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the club's lack of summer investment following Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid. His comments have placed director of football Jason Wilcox under fresh scrutiny, but Sky Sports News reports that Wilcox retains the full support of his Old Trafford bosses.
- Match: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Manchester United, Champions League, Tuesday night.
- Key figures: Director of football Jason Wilcox, CEO Omar Berrada, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
- Financial picture: Record revenues of £678m in 2025/26, but a pre-tax loss of £47m.
- Summer midfield spend: £158m on Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
- 2025 attacking signings: Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
- What's at stake: Wilcox's transfer plan, Martinez's future, and Michael Carrick's ability to steady the squad.
What was said
"Jason Wilcox retains the full support of his Manchester United bosses, despite the personal criticism directed at him by Lisandro Martinez."
Dorsett explained that Wilcox is working to a carefully planned transfer strategy sanctioned by Berrada and Ratcliffe. While Martinez and sections of the fanbase are unhappy, the hierarchy is satisfied with Wilcox's work and determined to avoid past mistakes of handing lucrative long contracts to fringe players. The club's financial position means it will take several transfer windows to overhaul the squad fully.
"It is clear that the next two transfer windows will focus on strengthening United's defence, where Martinez's future will also be considered."
The plan is based on intelligence from the club's director of data and AI, Michael Sansoni. His data suggested two seasons ago that the best way for United to improve results was to score more goals, prioritising that over conceding fewer. That explains the 2025 summer focus on attackers — Sesko, Mbeumo and Cunha — and this summer's switch to midfield, where Baleba, Santos and Tielemans arrived for £158m. All three started in Madrid.
The numbers
- Record revenues: £678m in 2025/26.
- Pre-tax loss: £47m.
- Midfield spend this summer: £158m on three central midfielders.
- Home games dropped from 30 to 20 after early cup exits.
Why Martinez's outburst has backfired internally
Martinez aimed his criticism squarely at Wilcox, but the fallout may harm him more than his target. Sky Sports News understands that at least one teammate challenged him as the squad boarded the plane back from Spain. The Argentine suggested some teammates are not good enough and that he wants better replacements. The three new midfielders — Baleba, Santos and Tielemans — could reasonably ask whether his words were aimed at them.
From a tactical perspective, Martinez is a key defender under Michael Carrick, and his absence would hurt a back line that already lacks a recognised senior left-footed full-back beyond Luke Shaw. Carrick, with no win in five and two wins in nine all season, might privately welcome a player publicly saying the manager has not been backed enough. It shifts pressure away from the coaching staff and towards the board.
However, the hierarchy — particularly Wilcox and Berrada — will not appreciate the public nature of the attack. It is technically a breach of contract, and a fine remains possible. Whether any punishment is made public will be a major talking point when Carrick faces the media later this week.
Talking points
- Martinez's contract frustration is an ulterior motive, as he reportedly dislikes the extension message he received in the summer — does that undermine his argument?
- The £158m midfield trio started in Madrid, yet United lost 2-0. Was the money spent on the right profile, or should a senior striker have come first?
- Carrick needs Martinez on the pitch, so a public fine but no dropping would be the predictable outcome. Would that satisfy fans?
- United cannot compete with rivals on fees, as shown by failed moves for Antoine Semenyo and Elliot Anderson. Is the data-led strategy an excuse for decline?
What happens next
Carrick will address the media at his pre-match press conference later this week. United must decide whether to discipline Martinez, with a fine the most likely outcome. The January and summer windows will then focus on defence, where Martinez's own future will be assessed. The next two transfer windows are already framed as decisive for Wilcox's project.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jason Wilcox under pressure at Man Utd?
No. Sky Sports News reports that Wilcox retains the full support of his Manchester United bosses despite the personal criticism from Lisandro Martinez.
What did Lisandro Martinez say about Man Utd transfers?
He criticised the lack of summer investment and said he expected more from "upstairs", comments directed personally at director of football Jason Wilcox.
Will Lisandro Martinez be sold by Man Utd?
His future will be considered when the club focuses on strengthening defence in the next two transfer windows, but he will not be dropped now because Michael Carrick needs him.
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