Summary

  • 10-man Manchester United lose 2-0 away at Atletico Madrid as Leny Yoro is sent off

  • Defeat means Michael Carrick's side have won just two of nine matches this season

  • Defender Lisandro Martinez launches scathing attack on club's board in post-match interview, saying he "expected more" signings in the summer transfer window

  • Elsewhere, Arsenal beat French side Lille 3-0 as Olivier Giroud returned to his former club

  • Get Involved: What did you make of Martinez's comments? Did he go too far or was he right about the club's lack of investment?

Send us your views

  1. Poll update - majority agree with Martinez commentspublished at 11:43 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    We asked you earlier to take part in our poll on Lisandro Martinez's comments.

    The majority of responses - 52% - agreed with the Argentina defender, that it needed to be said.

    That is in stark contrast to the majority of pundits, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Theo Walcott and Jamie Carragher believing he was wrong to voice his concerns publicly.

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  2. get involved

    'The reaction from pundits is more shocking' - Get Involvedpublished at 11:35 BST

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    So happy Martinez spoke up. Pundits saying "not the right time" "tear the dressing room apart" are so gutless. Nothing has worked at Utd for a decade. Now's the time to throw a spanner in the works! Stop protecting the few at the top, because no-one below them are.

    Sean, Portsmouth

    The reaction from pundits/ex-players is more shocking to be quite honest - they will happily criticise United's players, the manager, or club hierarchy when it suits their own agenda but apparently that's not becoming of a current player. Fair play to Martinez for saying what needed to be said.

    Rory, Northern Ireland

  3. Now we're seeing the real Man Utd - Carragherpublished at 11:21 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Manchester United players at the MetropolitanoImage source, Getty Images

    And Jamie Carragher expanded further on his comments about Lisandro Martinez, saying the World Cup winner was a "good player" but has had an "awful" start to this season, mirroring Manchester United's form.

    "When he's saying 'we had a fantastic season last season', they didn't," added Carragher. "A manager [Ruben Amorim] got sacked last season. Sacked.

    "They finished third because they had no cup games. They were knocked out of the cup competitions very early. The reason they finished third is Liverpool and Chelsea were that bad as well.

    "Now we're seeing the real Manchester United this season. They were awful again tonight.

    "And him as well, when he's talking at the start of this season - I think he's a good player, by the way, he's a World Cup winner, I get that - he's had an awful start to the season. Awful. Real poor.

    "And yeah, people are lapping it up, Manchester United fans will. That does nobody any good at all."

  4. Players have to be better - Youngpublished at 11:14 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Ashley Young was another former Manchester United player who spoke out against Lisandro Martinez, questioning whether the defender had earned the "right" to speak out in the way he did.

    "We know recruitment has to work and be better but players have to be better," said Young. "They are the ones who have to produce.

    "There's going to be no change now. That could create [issues] all week after what was a good performance."

  5. 'People in glass houses'published at 11:08 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    For Lisandro Martinez, his 7 out of 10 against Atletico was a marked improvement on the 4.15 awarded to him by BBC Sport readers on Saturday, after his errant marking led to Tottenham's late equaliser.

    Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson and ex-Arsenal forward Theo Walcott were in agreement that Martinez's performances so far this season have been "part of the problem".

    Walcott added that the Argentine's comments were "disrespectful to his team-mates".

    Hear from them both below.

    Media caption,

    Paul Robinson & Theo Walcott on Lisandro Martinez’s post-match comments

  6. Man Utd player ratingspublished at 10:59 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport Chief Football News Reporter

    Lisandro Martinez playing against Atletico MadridImage source, Getty Images

    Senne Lammens: Didn't have loads to do but spotted danger to make a vital clearance as Julian Alvarez threatened to race through on goal and thankful to the woodwork on two occasions. 7

    Diogo Dalot: Slightly out of position on the transition for the opener - but at this level, the damage can be immense. First minute mistake and shaky for a bit afterwards but got better. 6

    Leny Yoro: Moved into favoured role and was making a positive impression until VAR intervention ended his night early with a red card. 5

    Lisandro Martinez: Vital interception to prevent a clear Atletico opportunity for a second goal near end of first half. 7

    Ayden Heaven: Tried to keep Pablo Barrios' first-minute shot out but ended up just sliding it into the net. Effectively United's fourth-choice left-back but grew into the game and can be pleased with his effort. 7

    Andrey Santos: Surprise start. Early passing not crisp or accurate enough but like many United players, got better as the game went on. Did well enough to question why he has been used so infrequently this season. 6

    Carlos Baleba: (off 65, Mount): Not enough power on a far-post header, otherwise he might have marked his full debut with the equaliser. Played more advanced than Andrey Santos and pair dovetailed well. 6

    Youri Tielemans: (off 65, Amad): Didn't get on the ball too often and when he did in first half, had no-one in dangerous position to pass to. Excellent pass to create opportunity for Bruno Fernandes. 6

    Bruno Fernandes: Started in an unfamiliar right-sided role but strangely indecisive at times. Fizzed early cross in at start of second half but Mbeumo didn't make the run, then lifted shot over Oblak but just wide. Deflected shot went straight to keeper. Hit the bar after that. 5

    Marcus Rashford (off 65, Zirkzee): Pace caused a problem for the Atletico defence but couldn't apply the finish to Martinez's lofted pass. Failure to track back in first half picked up by Wayne Rooney. Tracking back in second got him booked. 5

    Bryan Mbeumo: Couldn't take early chance to equalise and denied by Oblak with a second opportunity. 6

  7. Postpublished at 10:54 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    The question is, how many of Manchester United's starters from Tuesday's defeat at Atletico Madrid will be front and centre again at Elland Road this weekend?

    Despite the defeat, and their nightmare start at the Metropolitano, United's performance as a whole was deemed an improvement on Saturday's draw at home to Tottenham.

    Simon Stone's player ratings reflect that, with Lisandro Martinez rated one of the better performers...

  8. Man Utd's next five fixturespublished at 10:46 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Manchester United

    As mentioned, things aren't easing up for Michael Carrick and Manchester United - if there is ever a good time for an away day in Leeds, this Sunday probably isn't it.

    United's next five fixtures:

    • Leeds (a) - 18 Oct
    • Como (a) - 21 Oct
    • Bournemouth (h) - 25 Oct
    • Chelsea (a) - 31 Oct
    • Roma (h) - 3 Nov
  9. Serious questions remain for Man Utd & Carrickpublished at 10:42 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Manchester United

    Michael CarrickImage source, Getty Images

    Michael Carrick's leadership was under the microscope heading into Tuesday night's defeat at Atletico Madrid.

    Interestingly enough, the post-match debate was almost certainly going to focus on his record as manager this season, before Lisandro Martinez stepped into the spotlight.

    United extended their winless streak to five matches in all competitions - they have won just two of their nine competitive fixtures so far this term.

    Carrick's side has struggled with defensive consistency this campaign, surrendering a 2-0 home lead to Brighton as they crashed out of the EFL Cup, while also losing the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

    And they have drawn their last two Premier League fixtures against Fulham and Spurs.

    The squad now faces a quick turnaround before a fierce away day at Elland Road against Leeds United, followed by another European trip to face Como.

  10. get involved

    'Carrick has no authority in that dressing room' - Get Involvedpublished at 10:34 BST

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    Regardless of player opinion, you can't go above the manager. I think this shows that Carrick has no authority in that dressing room. The writing is on the wall now, they have to hire an authoritative leader.

    Oliver, Peterborough

    Embarrassing from Martinez but obviously fans still can't see through this sort of thing. How often do players at the top of their game come out with this stuff? It's always those that want to keep fans on side after a string of poor performances.

    James, Northern Ireland

    This is a distraction from how they're playing, plain and simple. All anyone wants to talk about is Licha vs the board and not Licha playing poorly, giving goals away and not defending the back post vs Solanke. He is deflecting for the team and it's working.

    Richard, South Wales

  11. Carrick looks to move forwardpublished at 10:25 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said that he hadn't seen Lisandro Martinez's interview during his post-match news conference last night.

    And he added that it would not be the right time to discuss them, saying that what he had heard about his comments could be down to the "emotions of the game".

    Watch his full response below.

    Media caption,

    'I've half-heard about it' - Carrick responds to Martinez comments

  12. 'You can't keep changing, changing, changing' - Martinez supports manager Carrickpublished at 10:20 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport Chief Football News Reporter

    Michael Carrick and Lisandro MartinezImage source, Getty Images

    Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was sitting next to Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada in the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.

    They have sacked managers in the past two seasons after backing them the previous summer, with Erik ten Hag dismissed in October 2024, before Ruben Amorim was shown the exit door in January 2026.

    Lisandro Martinez threw his support behind current manager Michael Carrick last night, instead turning the spotlight on the work done by the club's directors in the transfer market.

    "You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager," said Martinez. "What about other areas? I can't say more.

    "Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team."

    Martinez's comments echo similar ones made by his Argentina defensive partner Cristian Romero against the Tottenham board last season.

    Ironically, Romero was in Atletico's side against United after his summer move to Spain.

    Martinez, meanwhile, has one year left on his United contract and has yet to agree an extension.

  13. Jason Wilcox under the spotlightpublished at 10:13 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    You'd imagine Jason Wilcox will be feeling rather sheepish this morning.

    Lisandro Martinez's comments may have been generally about the lack of investment last summer, but he was direct when he said "I expect more from our technical director".

    The irony is that Wilcox was appointed United's technical director in 2024, but was promoted to director of football after a reshuffle when Dan Ashworth left the club.

    So, what does Wilcox do? Simply, he's in charge of football operations, making calls on everything from the first team to the academy, transfers to pre-season tours.

    He's certainly not the only voice involved in transfer dealings, with CEO Omar Berrada and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell both influential voices.

    WilcoxImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Wilcox

  14. get involved

    'The players are frustrated, demotivated, hurt and so are we' - Get Involvedpublished at 10:07 BST

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    I concur Martinez. The fans have been let down for years. Lack of investment. Lack of ambition. Lack of support. Year after year using managers as the scapegoats for their incompetence. It’s translated to the pitch, the players are frustrated, demotivated, hurt and so are we.

    Jacob, Guildford

    Martinez was right to say that. Adding only three senior members to a squad that plays 15 extra games this season while under the pressure of performing for Manchester United and its expectations, shows a huge lack of ambition.

    Vin, Sydney

    It’s about time Wilcox and co took some criticism in their part of the shambles that was the transfer window and state of the club. Wilcox is not good enough to operate at this level.

    Dan, Scarborough

  15. 'I think it's awful' - Carragher on Martinez's commentspublished at 09:57 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Dominic Solanke gets in front of Lisandro Martinez to score for Spurs at Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

    Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher branded Lisandro Martinez's comments criticising the Manchester United hierarchy as "awful" - saying the player should look at himself because of his "really poor" start to the season.

    Martinez has played in seven of Manchester United's nine matches this season, scoring in their 4-0 win over Sabah in the Champions League in September, their only clean sheet in the games he has featured.

    United looked set to shut out Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday, but Martinez failed to stop Spurs striker Dominc Solanke heading home a stoppage-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

    "It doesn't do anybody any good at all, and they will be the story now for the next few days all about this," Carragher said about Martinez's comments.

    "Every set of supporters don't like the suits or the guys upstairs, so United fans will lap this up and think it's great. I think it's awful that he's come out and said that right now."

  16. Postpublished at 09:50 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    The question is, even if a player has frustrations with a club's transfer strategy and the level of competition for places in the squad, should they ever voice those concerns publicly, or is it best to keep them in house?

    The instant reaction from former players last night would suggest Lisandro Martinez would have been better to voice his concerns in the dressing room...

  17. get involved

    'Spot on by Martinez' - Get Involvedpublished at 09:46 BST

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    Martinez is right. Decades of mismanagement at the top have left the club in dire straits. We currently have one fit full-back and one proper striker. Yes the midfield was a priority over the summer with only Mainoo as a midfielder but (a lot) more was needed.

    Morice, Orpington

    Spot on by Martinez! Pundits have been saying the recruitment has been poor (no striker, no left-back, no centre-half), now they're criticising a player for voicing the exact same concern. Hypocrites!

    Mike, Newtown

    Whether ex-players feel it would "rip up the dressing room" or not, these things needed saying. For years as a fanbase we have put up with mediocrity in the transfer market and a ridiculous growing debt. About time it was named by players too! Glazers out!

    Ian, Manchester

  18. 'We definitely need a bigger squad'published at 09:41 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Harry Maguire and Michael CarrickImage source, Getty Images

    "This summer's going to be big", Harry Maguire told BBC Sport back in April.

    The defender had just signed a one-year contract extension with the club, with the option for a further year, and thought that business was just the start of a busy summer window.

    "I feel like the squad is starting to look strong," he said.

    "But this summer's going to be big. Really big. We need more players. We need better quality. We need players to come into the starting eleven.

    "We're not in Europe this year. We've played 40 games. We definitely need a bigger squad."

    And if that happens?

    "I don't think there's any ceiling on it," he said.

    "We've got to be in the conversation to go and win the big trophies. Come February and March, we don't want to be adrift like we have been this year.

    "Football is about memories. You can create memories by having iconic matches and scoring goals, but the bottom line is you get memories from winning big trophies."

    Read the full piece here

  19. Postpublished at 09:40 BST

    Simon Stone talked about Lisandro Martinez's comments being echoed by "some inside Old Trafford".

    The issue could be that Manchester United's summer spending - on three midfielders - did not tally with expectations, as the club looked ahead to a season in the Champions League.

    Senior defender Harry Maguire certainly expected a "big" summer in the transfer market when he spoke with BBC Sport back in April...

  20. Who did Man Utd sign in the summer?published at 09:35 BST

    Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd

    Manchester United's summer transfer window focused on a total midfield reconstruction under Michael Carrick, finalising their business with an overall spend of £148m in initial fees.

    Contrary to previous years, United were unusually measured, finishing completely outside the top tier of big spenders and actually spending less than newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

    The summer signings included:

    • Carlos Baleba - £65m
    • Andrey Santos - £48m
    • Youri Tielemans - £35m

    Total: £148m

    Graphic to show Premier League summer spending by each club