Brief
Lisandro Martínez slams United hierarchy after 2‑0 Champions League defeat
The United defender said the club must improve its squad and technical leadership following the defeat.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Lisandro Martínez criticised Manchester United’s hierarchy in a post‑match interview after the club’s 2‑0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
What happened
United travelled to the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid for the group‑stage match and fell behind early when Pablo Barrios scored for Atletico. Ademola Lookman added a second goal in the second half, sealing a 2‑0 defeat that extended United’s winless run to five games across all competitions. The loss left United 13th in the Premier League after only one league victory.
What the reports add
The Associated Press piece notes that United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, oversaw an offseason spend of roughly $213 million on players such as Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, yet the squad has struggled to deliver results. Martínez’s comments were delivered to Amazon Prime, where he said the club’s recent recruitment “did not match the ambition” and that the technical director should be held accountable.
What was said
“I have to control myself a lot. But sometimes it’s a reflection in the mirror of how is our club at the moment,” Martínez told Amazon Prime, according to the AP report. He added, “I expect more from our technical director… we have to do more, but it’s just important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.” Martínez also questioned the club’s broader strategy, saying, “It’s annoying, disappointing to come here and I’m not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result.”
How it came about
United entered the match after a 4‑0 win in their opening Champions League group game and a mixed domestic start. Earlier Felo coverage highlighted United’s preparation for the Madrid clash and the inclusion of Matthijs de Ligt in the squad, underscoring the high expectations that preceded the defeat.
Key facts
- Manchester United lost 2‑0 to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Oct. 13, 2026. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Lisandro Martínez publicly criticised United’s hierarchy and technical director after the defeat. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- United’s winless streak in all competitions reached five games, with only one Premier League win, leaving them 13th in the table. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “Lisandro Martinez blasts Man United hierarchy after Champions League loss”
