Martinez's hierarchy outburst puts Carrick under pressure before Leeds trip
Lisandro Martinez has criticised Manchester United's hierarchy after the Atletico Madrid defeat, FootballTransfers, citing The Athletic, reports he will be fined, and Michael Carrick faces more pressure before Sunday's trip to Leeds.
Sky Sports reports that Lisandro Martinez publicly criticised Manchester United's hierarchy after the 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid on 13 October. FootballTransfers, citing The Athletic, reports he will be fined, but that remains a report rather than a confirmed decision. The comments now shadow Michael Carrick before Sunday's trip to Leeds.
What Martinez said
Sky Sports reports that Martinez told Amazon Prime that United expected more from "upstairs", and that he expected more from technical director Jason Wilcox, whom Sky identifies as the target of his remarks. Asked whether he expected more summer investment, he replied "Yes, 100 per cent".
On manager Michael Carrick, Martinez said he "does his best" but warned that "if you don't change, next season is a big problem", according to Sky Sports.
Sky also reports that United spent a combined £155m on four major summer signings but did not sign a left-back or a striker.
The fine and the contract
FootballTransfers, citing The Athletic, says Martinez will inevitably be fined by United for his criticism of the hierarchy.
Per FootballTransfers, Martinez has less than a year left on his deal, and the club can extend it by 12 months. The same report cites The Guardian as saying some at United believe he wants to leave as a free agent next summer.
Where United stand
ESPN has United 13th in the Premier League with six points from six games. Sky Sports adds that the Atletico defeat extended their winless run to five games.
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League position | 13th | ESPN |
| Premier League points | 6 from 6 games | ESPN |
| Winless run after Atletico defeat | 5 games | Sky Sports |
| Combined spend, four major summer signings | £155m | Sky Sports |
Carrick under the spotlight
Sky Sports reports that Carrick's post-match press conference after the Atletico game was dominated by questions about the comments. Youri Tielemans declined to comment, saying it was too soon.
Sky, citing The Telegraph, reports that senior United players share Martinez's concerns about the direction of the club.
Per Sky Sports, Gary Neville said the boos at the 1-1 draw with 10-man Tottenham were not aimed at Carrick. He also warned that fans will turn on the manager if results do not improve.
The squad Carrick takes to Leeds
Per ESPN, United are without Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Benjamin Sesko, Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu for the Leeds game, with Luke Shaw a doubt. Leeds sit seventh on nine points, three ahead of United, per ESPN. Per Sky Sports, Bruno Fernandes has gone four Premier League games without a goal or assist, his longest such run since a seven-game spell in April and May 2025. He has played 96% of available minutes under Carrick, has been substituted three times under the manager, each after the 81st minute, and was benched once, in the EFL Cup against Brighton. Sky names Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha as the options if he were dropped.
What to watch on Sunday
ESPN reports that United play Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday 18 October.