Martínez criticises Manchester United recruitment after Atlético defeat

Lisandro Martínez called for stronger recruitment at Manchester United after Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Speaking to Amazon Prime, in comments reported by BBC Sport, the defender said responsibility for the club's difficulties extended beyond the players and head coach Michael Carrick.

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Martínez said United needed more players to compete after qualifying for the Champions League, and specifically expressed expectations of technical director Jason Wilcox. He also acknowledged that the players themselves had to improve and said Atlético deserved their victory. His criticism included a warning that repeatedly changing managers was not the answer to the team's problems.

The defeat extended United's winless run to five matches, according to BBC Sport. Their previous victory came against Sabah on 10 September. United had returned to the Champions League after finishing third in the Premier League last season.

United's official match report detailed how Atlético took the lead inside the opening minute. Álex Baena found Pablo Barrios, whose shot went through Ayden Heaven's legs and crossed the line before Senne Lammens could stop it. Johnny Cardoso later had a goal disallowed following a VAR review for handball by Marcos Llorente in the buildup.

The visitors remained within one goal despite Alejandro Grimaldo and Julián Alvarez hitting the woodwork. Bruno Fernandes then struck the crossbar as United searched for an equaliser. Their task became harder when Leny Yoro was dismissed after a VAR review of his challenge on substitute Jonathan David, leaving Carrick's side to finish with ten players.

Ademola Lookman scored Atlético's second in the 79th minute, converting after Lammens had saved David's attempt. At the other end, Jan Oblak prevented substitute Matheus Cunha from reducing the deficit. United's report confirmed the result ahead of their next Premier League match at Leeds.

Carrick declined to offer a detailed response to Martínez's interview, telling reporters he needed to learn more about it, BBC Sport reported. He maintained that the squad remained united and said the team needed to move forward quickly.