Neville says Martinez may have given Man Utd 'cause to fight for'

Gary Neville says Lisandro Martinez's outburst may have given his Manchester United teammates a "cause to fight for".

Martinez questioned the club’s recruitment following United’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, saying he expected more from director of football Jason Wilcox.

And in so doing he questioned the quality of his teammates saying the squad needed more players capable of competing at the highest level.

United fans have rallied around his comments with many feeling that he hit the nail on the head.

But the Argentina international subsequently apologised after meeting the club’s leadership and Carrick, admitting his frustration had led him to express his feelings in the wrong place and at the wrong time.

And speaking after the 1-1 draw at Leeds, Neville says that United showed more fight - which he believes could be down to what Martinez said.

“It was an unintended consequence of Martinez's comments,” Neville said.

“I don't think he went out there Tuesday night launching from the hip to inspire his teammates and get the dressing room buzzing again.

“But maybe those comments have, maybe the players have thought, hang on a minute, he doesn't think we are good enough, there should be other players in the team.

"Maybe the manager has got angry with him, ‘You are bang out of order, you've let the players down’.”

Neville suggested that, amid the criticism surrounding United, the squad may have found a common cause to fight for.

“Where they have all had a pop at each and got angry, you've got to have a cause,” he said. “Why would I fight like crazy?”

Neville believes United have fallen short of the standards expected of the club, but wondered whether the events of the past week had given the players extra motivation.

“This Man Utd team has dropped well below that,” he added.

“Maybe this week the cause has been that I don't like the whole world has been having a go at us and that our World Cup winner is saying we aren't good enough.

“Maybe he has just pulled the pin out and thrown it in the middle of the room.”

Martinez’s comments threatened to become a major distraction for United, with the defender publicly questioning the club’s transfer strategy after the defeat in Madrid.

However, Neville also credited the club with handling the situation and securing an apology from the 28-year-old.

United were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds, with Martinez starting the game before being substituted at half-time after picking up a knock.

There were some positive signs with the team looking more solid by having Andre Santos and Carlos Baleba in front of the back four, and now all eyes will be on the upcoming Champions League clash with Como.