Martinez blames anger for criticism of United hierarchy after Atletico loss

Background The Argentine defender joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 and has been a regular in the squad. After United’s 2‑0 loss to Atlético Madrid in a group‑stage Champions League match, Martinez made a series of public remarks that targeted the club’s hierarchy.

Martinez’s remarks In a social‑media post, Martinez explained that his criticism stemmed from anger and frustration over the result. He said he expected more investment in the squad during the summer transfer window, even though United had already secured a place in the Champions League. The defender also criticised technical director Jason Wilcox, stating that he had anticipated greater effort from the club’s recruitment team.

Despite the sharp tone, Martinez did not issue a formal apology. He emphasised that his words reflected a deep desire for the club to compete for the biggest honours in football. He described his approach to the game as one of passion, commitment and a strong wish to win, and he said that when outcomes do not meet expectations it hurts, especially for a club with United’s history and stature.

He added that the high standards he speaks of are part of his view of football and the responsibility that comes with wearing the United shirt. Martinez said that his call for improvement was aimed at the collective ambition of the club, urging everyone to keep growing, become stronger and secure the resources needed to compete at the highest level.

Club response No official statement from Manchester United’s hierarchy or coaching staff was reported in the sources. Martinez himself expressed belief in his teammates, manager Michael Carrick and all those working to help the club progress.

Overall The defender’s comments highlight a tension between player expectations and club management decisions. While he remains committed to his teammates and the club’s future, he has made clear that he feels the current level of investment and ambition is insufficient for United to achieve its historic goals.