Lisandro Martinez has turned Manchester United's latest defeat into a row over recruitment after accusing the club's hierarchy of failing to give Michael Carrick the backing he needs.
The Argentina defender demanded more from director of football Jason Wilcox following Tuesday night's 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, with United now beaten four times in nine matches this season.
The Red Devils spent £163million during the summer, bringing in midfielders Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
For Martinez, however, that investment was insufficient to build on last season's progress.
Asked whether Carrick had received enough support, he replied: "I don't think so. He does his best. You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager."
It was a pointed defence of a head coach facing mounting scrutiny, with Martinez insisting responsibility for United's struggles must extend beyond those on the pitch and touchline.
"What about other areas? Tonight it is easy to say the coach and easy to say the players, but also we have to see other areas," he said.
The defender then made clear his frustration with the club's transfer business.
"I expect more (investment) 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director," he fumed.
"I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.
"We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top; more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well."
Wayne Rooney, though, questioned what that message would mean to the players United had already recruited.
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Lisandro MartÃnez did NOT hold back after United's loss to Atletico 😬👀 https://t.co/OGo25Pzd30
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) October 13, 2026
"If you're Baleba or Tielemans, you're going to want to speak to Lisandro as it's disrespectful to them," he said.
"Only Bruno [Fernandes] can come out and say that.
"It looks like a player trying to look after himself. It's sad because you need players to stick together or something like that can rip the dressing room apart."
Tielemans declined to respond when asked about his teammate's comments afterwards.
Carrick also stopped short of offering a verdict, leaving open the question of whether Martinez could face action over the interview.
"I think it's a little bit the emotion of the game," he said.
"I need to find out a bit more about it before I can say if and what is going to be done."
Despite Rooney's warning, Carrick maintained that his squad remained united following another damaging result.
"As a group, I don't doubt the togetherness. But the boys are hurting," he said.
"They're passionate, they want to do well, they're definitely hurting."
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