Jamie Carragher has taken aim at Lisandro Martinez, with the Manchester United defender's public dissatisfaction over the club's transfer dealings raising eyebrows.
The Red Devils have endured a terrible start to the season, failing to secure a win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent setback saw them lose 2-0 to Atletico at the Metropolitano Stadium, which prompted Martinez to lash out at the club's hierarchy.
Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, has made it clear that such issues should be dealt with privately. He didn’t spare Martinez from criticism either, pointing out the player's own poor performances.
This sort of public outburst doesn’t help anyone, and now his words will dominate the headlines for days to come. Fans have always been critical of the suits in the boardroom, and United supporters will surely latch onto this. Personally, I think it’s appalling that he chose to make such a statement at this moment.
He claims last season was fantastic, but that simply isn’t the case. The manager was sacked, and they only finished third because they weren’t competing in Europe. If you’re splashing £200 million every summer without the Champions League income, it can’t keep going this way. The squad has achieved nothing under various managers, and today, they were dreadful again. As for Martinez, I recognise he’s a quality player and a World Cup champion, but he’s started this campaign terribly. A football club is like a family; disputes happen, but behind closed doors, you need to present a united front.
Reporters sought a comment from summer signing Youri Tielemans regarding Martinez’s remarks, but the Belgian responded with a curt and diplomatic remark.
No comment.
Former player Ashley Young also refrained from siding with Martinez, stating that players need to focus on their performances.
We know the squad has to work better, but the players need to be better as well. They’re the ones who need to deliver results. Nothing’s going to change right now.
Conversely, ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson offered a different perspective, sympathising with the frustrated defender.
I question the timing of his comments, especially with all the noise surrounding Manchester United right now, but I do appreciate the honesty. Fans don’t want players saying everything is fine when it clearly isn’t. Everyone can see that they haven’t worked well enough in the transfer market, and they need more players; the current squad isn’t strong enough.
