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Carrick Defends Martínez After United’s 2-0 Atlético Loss

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 3:09 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Martínez Slams Wilcox

Lisandro Martínez criticised technical director Jason Wilcox after United’s 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid.
United conceded after 53 seconds and saw Leny Yoro sent off.
Wilcox oversaw a £155 million summer spend on Tielemans, Santos and Baleba.
United have six points from six Premier League games, their worst start in 40 years.
Head coach Michael Carrick’s job is under pressure after five straight winless matches.

Summary

Carrick Defends Martínez

Michael Carrick defended Lisandro Martínez, saying he had not seen Martínez’s remarks.
Carrick called the red-card decision “poor” while saying rotation hurt cohesion.
Lisandro Martínez repeated his criticism in a CBS Sports interview with Peter Schmeichel.
Martínez said United players showed disconnection and poor body language, lowering confidence in the Champions League match.
Carrick urged the squad to stay united and work through the disappointment together.

History

Historical Context

In 2002-03 Manchester United broke the English transfer record by paying £29.1 million for Rio Ferdinand, then added several high-profile arrivals for the 2003-04 campaign but still slipped to third behind Arsenal’s unbeaten title run. That season showed how heavy spending without squad cohesion can spark pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson, a pattern echoed by today’s United.

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Martínez Slams Wilcox

Lisandro Martínez criticised technical director Jason Wilcox after United’s 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid.
United conceded after 53 seconds and saw Leny Yoro sent off.
Wilcox oversaw a £155 million summer spend on Tielemans, Santos and Baleba.
United have six points from six Premier League games, their worst start in 40 years.
Head coach Michael Carrick’s job is under pressure after five straight winless matches.

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