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Ligue 1 Manchester United lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on October 14, but the result was quickly overshadowed by what Lisandro Martinez said into a live microphone afterwards. Speaking on Prime Video, which broadcast the match in the United Kingdom, the defender called out the club’s transfer activity and named technical director Jason Wilcox directly.
Martinez said United had produced a very good season last year and that he had expected more from those above him. He said he wanted more investment, one hundred per cent, and that he expected Wilcox to do more. He added that the players also had to give more, but that building a strong squad for nights like this was equally important.
What Martinez’s words mean for United
The Athletic reported that Martinez’s comments amount to a public statement that United’s current squad is not good enough to win matches at this level. The outlet noted that it is hard to imagine a more damaging intervention from a player.
The Athletic also pointed out that Martinez was partly responsible for Dominic Solanke’s late equaliser for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday, which made him an awkward figure to be leading this kind of public charge. United conceded after just 53 seconds against Atletico, a lapse The Athletic linked to the same lack of concentration that cost them points against Spurs.
Martinez did offer a defence of manager Michael Carrick, saying Carrick was doing his best, though The Athletic noted that phrasing made Carrick sound more like a bystander than someone in control. According to The Athletic, the comments will not ease pressure on Carrick and will not prompt much reflection at board level.
Viking hold Bayern after Olise red card
Norwegian club Viking drew 3-3 with Bayern Munich in what The Athletic described as the best Champions League match of the season so far. Viking led 2-0 at half-time, a scoreline The Athletic said was fully deserved, built on a set-piece goal and a fast counter-attack.
Harry Kane scored twice after the break, first from the penalty spot and then with a header at the back post, before setting up a third with a precise through ball. Conrad Laimer crossed and Luis Diaz finished to put Bayern 3-2 ahead.
Then Michael Olise was sent off in circumstances The Athletic called stupid and outrageous. Olise had already been booked for a foul that stopped a Viking counter-attack in the 74th minute. After a confrontation involving several players, Viking captain Zlatko Tripic provoked Olise, who picked up the ball and threw it softly at Tripic’s face.
Tripic fell to the ground dramatically. The referee showed Olise a second yellow card and then red, the first dismissal of Olise’s career. Herman Heggum headed in an equaliser in the 92nd minute, and Olise will now miss next week’s match against Arsenal.
Other results from matchday 2
Arsenal beat Lille 3-0, with Bukayo Saka both scoring and assisting, and Timber and Eze also on the scoresheet. The Athletic described the victory as convincing, with Lille managed by David Ancelotti.
Club Brugge beat Inter Milan 4-3, with Nicolo Tressoldi scoring a hat-trick at the San Siro. Lautaro Martinez scored twice for Inter but left the stadium after the match without speaking to the media, with Italian outlets reporting he was visibly unhappy with his team’s performance. Lamine Yamal provided two assists as Barcelona beat Galatasaray 4-1.
Qarabag beat Slavia Prague 2-0, with their opening goal, the club’s first ever in the Champions League, coming from an eight-touch, 80-yard counter-attack finished by Paris. The second arrived after a goalkeeper error and a defender’s failed clearance that The Athletic called one of the worst of the European season.
