Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has criticised the club’s hierarchy for failing to adequately strengthen the squad following their return to the UEFA Champions League.

Martinez spoke after United’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday, expressing frustration with the club’s recruitment strategy and calling for greater investment to improve competition for places.

The Argentine defender acknowledged that the players and manager Michael Carrick also had responsibilities for the team’s performance but insisted that the club’s leadership must address shortcomings in the squad.

“We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well,” Martinez said.

“I expect more. 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director, Jason Wilcox.

“I have to be honest, as players we have to do more, but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.

“Tonight it is easy to blame the coach, easy to blame the players, but we also have to look at other areas.”

United finished third in the Premier League last season to secure Champions League qualification after a three-year absence. However, their summer recruitment focused heavily on midfield, leaving concerns over depth in other positions.

The club spent about £155 million on three midfielders but did not bring in additional cover for striker Benjamin Sesko or strengthen competition for left-back Luke Shaw.

Martinez questioned the club’s approach, arguing that United needed to build on last season’s progress rather than rely on the same squad while rivals continued to recruit.

“You can’t stay with what you did last season,” he said. “The teams knows how you play, they know every detail. If you don’t change next season, it’s a big problem.”

He also warned against repeatedly changing managers without addressing wider structural problems at the club.

“You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can’t say more,” he said.

“Last season we did everything. We created the base to create an amazing team.”

United’s defeat to Atletico extended their winless run to five games, increasing pressure on Carrick and the club’s leadership.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe watched the match alongside chief executive Omar Berrada at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Martinez’s comments have also drawn comparisons with public criticism previously directed at Tottenham’s hierarchy by his Argentina defensive partner Cristian Romero, who joined Atletico during the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old defender has one year remaining on his Manchester United contract and is yet to agree to an extension.