Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has condemned Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez for his outspoken criticism of the club's hierarchy. Henry argues that such remarks are unacceptable and should be confined to discussions within the squad.
The row erupted after United's disappointing 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, extending their winless streak to five matches. Martinez, airing his frustrations post-match, voiced concerns over the club's transfer strategy.
The Argentine expressed that players were expecting more significant reinforcements following a third-place finish in last season's Premier League.
This summer, Manchester United splashed over £150 million on signings including Youri Tielemans, Andre Santos, and Carlos Baleba.
In an interview with Amazon Prime Video, Martinez stated:
Last season we achieved an excellent result, so we expect more from the hierarchy now. We need new players to compete with rivals who are also improving.
I expect a lot more from our technical director Jason Wilcox.
While conceding that players share responsibility for the defeat, Martinez insisted that the team's issues run deeper than just the coach's decisions.
He added:
Atletico deserved to win. We, as players, need to do more, but it’s vital to have a strong enough squad for such matches.
It’s easy to blame the manager or the players, but we need to look at other problems as well.
Henry did not hold back in expressing his discontent regarding Martinez's comments.
During a segment on CBS Sports, he remarked:
I’m no longer a coach, but I've always said: if someone makes those kinds of statements, they need to be removed from the team.
Such matters should stay in the dressing room. It's really that simple.
Henry emphasised that players ought to address their concerns directly with the hierarchy rather than through the press.
He continued:
If you have an issue with someone, speak to them face-to-face. I dislike it when players use the media for this.
I've seen players do this to force a move, but I believe in direct communication.
After a match, emotions can lead to things you'll later regret. That’s why these discussions should remain internal.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also joined the critique.
He opined that Martinez not only distracted from the team's underwhelming performance but also attempted to shift the blame onto the hierarchy.
Carragher stated:
This will do no one any good. For the next few days, the focus will solely be on his comments.
Fans typically don’t favour club execs, so United supporters might rally behind Martinez. Yet I find it appalling that he chose to voice this now.
Carragher was particularly incensed by Martinez's assessment of last season, which the Argentine labelled a success.
The pundit pointed out:
He claims the team had a brilliant season. But that’s not true. The club sacked the manager last season.
They finished third because they exited domestic cup competitions early and didn’t compete in Europe, while Liverpool and Chelsea were struggling too.
Carragher also highlighted the ongoing financial constraints facing Manchester United due to consistent poor performances in recent years.
He explained:
If a club routinely misses out on Champions League income while spending £200 million every summer, the funds will eventually run dry.
This group of players has operated under various managers for years, achieving very little.
Furthermore, Carragher criticised Martinez's own performances:
He added:
I consider him a good footballer. He’s a World Cup champion, no doubt. But he’s had an awful start to this season. Really poor.
Now his comments will create a massive storm. He’s seriously misstepped.
As it stands, Manchester United are languishing in 12th place in the Premier League after six matches, with Carrick's side set to face Leeds away this Sunday.
With ongoing struggles, the public spat involving Martinez adds yet another layer of headache for the Red Devils, who urgently need to turn things around.
