Steven Gerrard has hit out at Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez with a blunt warning, as the former Liverpool captain delivered a pointed reality check

Steven Gerrard has called out Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez over his comments about the Red Devils, telling the Argentine to "shut your mouth" in a blunt reality check.

Martinez criticized United's lack of investment and urged the club's hierarchy to show greater ambition following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. "We had a fantastic season last season, and now we expect more from the top," he told Prime Video.

"I expect more quality. Yes [this is not a Champions League-quality squad], 100%. I expected more from our technical director, and as players, we have to do more, but it is important to make a strong squad for these types of nights.

"[Carrick] does his best, but every season is different; you can’t stay with what you did last season. The teams know every detail, and if you don’t change it, it is a big problem. What about other areas? I can’t say more. It is easy to say the coach and players, but you have to see other areas [who are to blame]."

Speaking on the latest episode of Stick to Football, Gerrard questioned why Martinez had made the comments, arguing that they only add to the pressure on Michael Carrick rather than helping the United boss.

Gerrard said, "Why didn't Martinez say anything after the game against Tottenham? Back then, he made a mistake that led to [Dominic] Solanke's goal. Just keep your mouth shut and defend!"

Gerrard suggested Martinez may have ulterior motives for his comments, as questions continue to emerge over the defender's long-term future at Old Trafford.

"I think there's always a motive," the former Liverpool captain said. "I think that he's thinking he's asked for a new contract and they've said no or something, or maybe he himself may want to move on."

However, Gerrard also praised Martinez for being open and honest rather than giving the type of predictable answers often heard in post-match interviews.

He acknowledged that the defender may have been trying to protect Carrick, but felt his comments had ultimately made the situation worse. "That (Martinez's outburst) tells me that the senior players are talking about it as a group," the 48-year-old added.

"I'm just thinking it doesn't help Michael [Carrick] on the eve of playing Leeds [United] at the weekend. It's more negative. It tells me that they're not aligned as a club.

"But at the same time, I agree a little bit where sometimes a player comes and does an interview, and it's robotic, and he just straight-bats every question.

"So I admire the fact that he's tried to be honest and open. He's actually tried to protect Michael Carrick in a way, but he's made a bigger mess."