Following Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid, defender Lisandro Martinez was heavily critical of the club’s lack of ambition in the summer.
“I expect more from our technical director (Jason Wilcox). We expect more from the top, from upstairs, to bring in more players to compete.” Martinez told Sky Sports.
Looking at this comment, it’s a bit disrespectful for a player to call out his own club after a defeat like that. You can sort of understand his frustration.
Manchester United, once a silverware-winning juggernaut, now focus only on the cheapest options.
Martinez is speaking for the fans.
United fans have been heavily critical of the recruitment done by Jason Wilcox, who only prioritised United’s midfield in the summer, when the defence was also a major problem.
If you look at the defenders United have, including Martinez, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are now in their 30s. This is fine in terms of experience, but some may argue that they’re on their last legs.
You then have Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, who are still very young in their careers.
None of these defenders are near a Rio Ferdinand, Jaap Stam, or Gary Neville, who were all top-class defenders as well as leaders.
If the ambition is to close the gap on the likes of noisy neighbours Manchester City and Arsenal, then you could argue that Martinez has made a valid point.
But to expose the issue publicly like this is taking a huge gamble against your employers, who are paying you the big money to perform for them.
When a club is in a difficult situation like United, that’s what the frustration can do to players like Martinez, who want to prove their worth to the fans.
When a World Cup winner like Martinez says such words, they must back it up with substantial performances. But has Martinez done enough in his performances this season to suddenly speak out in that fashion?
You could argue no, but have United really improved from last season? No.
While some people think Martinez is just venting his frustration out on the situation, and others say he has a point, it seems as if it’s a combination of both.
But one thing is for sure, is the fact that these are dark and desperate times for the Red Devils.
For more information on Lisandro Martinez’s outburst at Manchester United, visit World in Sport.
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