Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has called the club “a circus” after defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club’s hierarchy following their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Martinez said he had expected greater investment in the squad during the summer and more from technical director Jason Wilcox.
The Argentine defender later explained in a social media post that his comments came from anger and frustration.
The defeat extended United’s winless run to five matches, while they have managed just one win in their opening six Premier League games.
Keane said Martinez’s comments reflected the turmoil surrounding the club. He acknowledged that some supporters might welcome the defender speaking out, while others could view it as letting the team down.
Keane added that struggling players should examine their own performances before criticizing the club’s leadership.
The former United captain also questioned Martinez’s status within the dressing room, saying he did not consider the defender a senior figure at the club.
He argued that United lacked strong personalities and criticized Martinez’s recent performances, describing him as a center-back who had been making too many mistakes.
Martinez’s contract expires at the end of the season, although United have the option to extend it by another year.
Former United defender Gary Neville also criticized Martinez’s remarks, arguing that they amounted to an attack on his teammates.
Neville said senior players such as Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes would have reason to be angry because the comments suggested the existing squad was not good enough.
He compared the situation with Wayne Rooney’s 2010 contract dispute, when the former striker questioned the club’s plans before eventually signing a new five-year deal.
Manchester United will look to end their poor run when they travel to Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Growing criticism of Martinez’s comments adds pressure on the club as it tries to improve results and address concerns about the squad and its leadership.
