Lisandro Martinez hits out at Jason Wilcox saying Man Utd 'needed more investment'

Lisandro Martinez has hit out at sporting director Jason Wilcox saying the team "needed more" investment after Manchester United lost to Atletico Madrid.

The United defender made his feelings clear following Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico, which extended the club’s winless run to five games.

Martinez insisted the players must accept their share of responsibility, but argued that the club’s recruitment strategy also needs to come under scrutiny.

United finished third in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in three years. However, Martinez believes that achievement should have been followed by greater investment to strengthen the squad and give the team more options against elite opposition.

“We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well,” Martinez said.

“Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today.”

The Argentina international was particularly direct when asked about his expectations for the club’s transfer business, specifically identifying Wilcox as someone who must help deliver the improvements required.

“I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox],” Martinez added.

He deliberately singled out the United board at a difficult moment for the club and it is likely to have ramifications.

Martinez was careful not to absolve the squad of blame, acknowledging that United’s performances have not been good enough.

But he also argued that building a squad capable of competing in demanding European fixtures requires support from those responsible for recruitment.

“I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night,” he said.

“Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas.”

The defender’s intervention comes as United search for a way out of their current slump.

Their last victory came against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK on September 10, while their only other win this season was against newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, when they had to come from behind.

But the question really is where do United go from here, with an understrength team still fighting on several fronts. January is still a long way off for signings and even then they are likely to come at a premium considering United's position.