United View: Martinez slams United hierarchy

There’s never a dull moment when it comes to Manchester United, and this week has been no exception. 

Following The Reds’ 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday – which extended their winless run to five matches – defender Lisandro Martinez launched a scathing attack on the club’s hierarchy. 

In a blockbuster interview with Amazon Prime, the Argentine hit out at technical director Jason Wilcox, as well as criticising the lack of investment over the summer. 

“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,” he said. 

“I expect more from our technical director – we have to be honest. 

“As players we have to do more, [but] it’s also important you make a strong squad, to be ready for this kind of night. 

“Last season we did everything, we created a base to build an amazing team. It’s annoying, coming here and not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result – it's disappointing.” 

There will be plenty of fans, myself included, that share Martinez’s view, but to actually hear a current player call out the board so explicitly is staggering. 

It’s virtually an unprecedented situation, and while I admire his courage, I can’t help but think it will only add to Carrick’s worries going forward. 

Speaking of Carrick, Martinez was also asked if he thinks United's problems lie with the manager: 

“I don’t think so, he does his best, but every season is different,” he responded. 

“You can’t stay doing what you did last season - the teams know how you play, they know every detail, and if you don’t change next season, it’s a problem. 

“You [can] start changing manager, but what about other areas? I can’t say more. 

“Tonight it’s easy to say [blame] the coach, it’s easy to say [blame] the players, but also we have to say [blame] other areas.” 

These comments have only reinforced the idea that more questions need to be asked of United’s hierarchy. 

Fans and outsiders are quick to pounce on the manager when things are going wrong, yet the senior figures at the club often seem to get off scot free. I’m glad this seems to be finally changing. 

INEOS and Wilcox have plenty to answer for, having made several abysmal decisions in their short time at the club. 

Without even getting into the ticketing situation, which is abhorrent to say the least, their calls made on the football front have left a lot to be desired. 

Not only was the decision to keep Erik ten Hag in charge a mistake, but offering Ruben Amorim the role following his departure was equally baffling. 

As poor as he was, the Portuguese boss was never given the appropriate tools to fully implement his unique style of play, which makes his appointment all the more confusing.  

To add to this, the club spent several million pounds to bring in Dan Ashworth as Sporting Director, only to relieve him of his duties just five months later, paying a further £4.1m to terminate his contract. 

Ultimately though, the club’s decline can, and will always be attributed to the Glazer family, who have shown a continuous lack of care since the minute they entered the building. 

As long as those leeches remain in charge, the club have little to no hope of ever returning to the heights of yesteryear. 

United’s immediate focus however is a tough trip to Elland Road this Sunday to face Leeds United. 

Should the Reds fall to yet another defeat, this time to their fierce rivals, it would be hard to see a way back for the under-fire Carrick. 

And with January’s defeat at the same venue proving to be Ruben Amorim’s final game in charge, he will very much be hoping history does not repeat itself this time around.