Martinez questions United backing after Atletico defeat

Lisandro Martinez says Manchester United failed to back their return to the Champions League in the transfer market.

The defender spoke out after a 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid. It left United without a win in five games, according to BBC Sport.

Martinez said he expects more investment from the club. He also said he expects more from technical director Jason Wilcox, who oversees recruitment and squad planning.

United finished third in the Premier League last season. That secured a return to the Champions League, Europe's top club competition, for the first time in three years.

The summer window did not match that lift. United spent £155m on three midfielders and did not strengthen any other position.

That left two clear gaps. There was no extra striking support for Benjamin Sesko. There was no competition at left-back for Luke Shaw.

The start to the season has been thin. United's last win before the Atletico defeat was against Sabah FK on 10 September. Their only other victory this season came at Old Trafford against newly promoted Ipswich, after coming from behind.

There was an extra sting in Madrid. Cristian Romero lined up for Atletico against United following his summer move.

Martinez's own future adds another layer. He has one year left on his United contract and is yet to agree an extension.

What makes this stand out is the source. Defenders rarely name the hierarchy so directly. Martinez has chosen plain words at a moment when results are flat and the squad looks short in key spots.

For fans, this means the noise is no longer just about form. It is about planning. Five games without a win can turn quickly, but questions about backing tend to linger longer.