Lisandro Martinez started for Manchester United against Leeds on Sunday despite his recent public criticism of the club’s leadership. The Argentina defender, who questioned the strength of United’s squad and targeted the club’s technical director after their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, was included in the starting line-up as Michael Carrick’s side sought a rare win.
Martinez’s comments came following United’s 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. He said manager Michael Carrick had been left with an under-strength squad and expressed disappointment at the lack of investment during the summer transfer window. Martinez specifically mentioned technical director Jason Wilcox, saying he had "100 percent" expected more signings after United finished third in the Premier League last season.
The defender issued an apology on Thursday but was reportedly fined by the club for his outburst. Despite the controversy, Carrick confirmed during his pre-match press conference on Friday that Martinez would be part of the squad to face Leeds, a fixture known for its intensity and rivalry.
Martinez’s selection came as United looked to halt a poor run of form. The club had won just two of their previous nine games across all competitions and were sitting 14th in the Premier League. The looming fixture against Leeds presented an opportunity to improve results ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Como.
The decision to start Martinez underscored Carrick’s need to balance discipline with performance. The manager faced mounting pressure to deliver results after a run that included five matches without victory in all competitions. A defeat at Leeds would only add to the pressure surrounding the club’s leadership and their recent summer transfer activity.
Martinez’s presence on the pitch illustrated the tension within the squad and the club’s hierarchy. His criticisms highlighted the disconnect between the players’ expectations and the club’s business decisions.
United’s lineup against Leeds was watched closely by fans and analysts alike, with many interested in how the team would respond after a difficult start to the season. Carrick’s selection of Martinez suggested confidence in the defender’s ability to contribute on the field despite recent off-pitch issues.
The match itself was a critical moment for United, who have struggled to find consistency. The inclusion of a player recently fined for publicly challenging the club’s leadership added an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.
At the time of the match, Martinez was confirmed in the starting eleven, and Carrick remained in charge as Manchester United sought to turn their season around.
According to Yahoo Sports.