Manchester United urged to suspend Lisandro Martinez after Manchester United criticism

Michael Carrick has been urged to drop Lisandro Martinez for Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Leeds United following his explosive attack on the club’s board.

In an eye-opening interview following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, Martinez accused the Old Trafford hierarchy of letting the squad down with their failure to sign more players over the summer.

The Argentine World Cup winner said he expected more investment in the United squad and ‘more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]’.

Manchester United spent over £150m on three midfielders – Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos – but failed to bolster Carrick’s squad in other areas of the pitch.

Martinez’s comments received a mixed reception, with some praising his decision to publicly call out those above him and others suggesting the outburst will only increase the pressure on underperforming United.

The 28-year-old centre-back released a statement almost 24 hours after his viral interview in which he said he ‘spoke out of anger and frustration’, although he stopped short of an apology.

‘After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted,’ Martinez said.

‘Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.

‘My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.

‘When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club.

‘To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.

‘I know that, first and foremost, it’s us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility.

‘We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.

‘I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward. I’m convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment.

‘My goal has been the same since day one, to win, compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge.’

Former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Martinez’s comments were ‘valid’ but says he still should not have made them publicly.

As a result, Hasselbaink ‘expects’ Martinez to be dropped for Manchester United’s trip to Leeds on Sunday and ‘the next few matches’.

‘His points are valid but do I think he should say it? That’s a different story,’ the former Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Cardiff City and Atletico Madrid star told Sky Sports.

‘But his points are valid. I expect him to not play the next match or the next few matches, you cannot come out publicly and say what you said.’

Manchester United travel to Elland Road sitting just 13th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone.

Leeds, meanwhile, have enjoyed a bright start to the new season and sit seventh having gone five games unbeaten before a narrow defeat to reigning champions Arsenal last time out.

Manchester United drew 1-1 at Elland Road last season before a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in the corresponding fixture.

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