Lisandro Martinez Slams Man Utd’s Board After Loss vs Atletico

Lisandro Martinez has hit out at Manchester United’s ownership in an ‘unbelievable’ live TV interview following the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.

Michael Carrick’s side have now won just two of their nine matches across all competitions in the 2026/27 season, with pressure continuing to mount on the former midfielder after another disappointing night in the Champions League.

United found themselves a goal down within the opening minute at the Wanda Metropolitano and, despite creating plenty of chances in an attempt to turn the tide, were unable to find a way back into the game. Leny Yoro’s controversial red card in the 74th minute only added to their misery, before Ademola Lookman put the seal on Atletico’s victory.

For Carrick, the writing may now be on the wall, with his time in what is often dubbed football’s most stressful job looking increasingly precarious. However, Martinez’s explosive comments after the final whistle suggest that, while the manager may have lost the backing of some sections of the Old Trafford faithful, the players could have a very different view of where the real problems lie.

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It’s no coincidence that no manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has survived more than two full seasons at Old Trafford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s spell between 2018 and 2021 making him the club’s longest-serving manager during that period.

Managers that take on the poisoned chalice seem to be doomed from the start, and Martinez has aimed fire at the club’s recruitment team following their latest defeat. He said (watch the full interview below):

Pressed to reveal which areas of the lineup need improving the most, the Argentine defender added: “I think in general. Last season, we created a base to build an amazing team, but we haven’t. He does his best [Carrick], but every season is different.

“Everyone has learnt how we play and the system. If we don’t change, it’s a big problem. You can keep changing and changing and changing manager, but what about other areas?”

Reuters/Craig Brough

Wayne Rooney was on Amazon Prime’s panel during their coverage of the midweek action, and voiced his concerns that Martinez was disrespecting his teammates with his bombshell comments. The retired Red Devils legend said:

From the outside looking in, United’s troubles extend to off the pitch, too. It is unknown how the rest of the dressing room feels about the whole situation, but those that have followed the club for the past two decades will be all but completely certain that the issues run far too deep to solve anytime soon.