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Did Martinez go 'too far' or was he 'spot on' with criticism of Man Utd hierarchy?

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Martinez

Simon Stone
BBC Sport Chief Football News Reporter

Lisandro Martinez playing against Atletico Madrid
Image source, Getty Images

Senne Lammens: Didn't have loads to do but spotted danger to make a vital clearance as Julian Alvarez threatened to race through on goal and thankful to the woodwork on two occasions. 7

Diogo Dalot: Slightly out of position on the transition for the opener - but at this level, the damage can be immense. First minute mistake and shaky for a bit afterwards but got better. 6

Leny Yoro: Moved into favoured role and was making a positive impression until VAR intervention ended his night early with a red card. 5

Lisandro Martinez: Vital interception to prevent a clear Atletico opportunity for a second goal near end of first half. 7

Ayden Heaven: Tried to keep Pablo Barrios' first-minute shot out but ended up just sliding it into the net. Effectively United's fourth-choice left-back but grew into the game and can be pleased with his effort. 7

Andrey Santos: Surprise start. Early passing not crisp or accurate enough but like many United players, got better as the game went on. Did well enough to question why he has been used so infrequently this season. 6

Carlos Baleba: (off 65, Mount): Not enough power on a far-post header, otherwise he might have marked his full debut with the equaliser. Played more advanced than Andrey Santos and pair dovetailed well. 6

Youri Tielemans: (off 65, Amad): Didn't get on the ball too often and when he did in first half, had no-one in dangerous position to pass to. Excellent pass to create opportunity for Bruno Fernandes. 6

Bruno Fernandes: Started in an unfamiliar right-sided role but strangely indecisive at times. Fizzed early cross in at start of second half but Mbeumo didn't make the run, then lifted shot over Oblak but just wide. Deflected shot went straight to keeper. Hit the bar after that. 5

Marcus Rashford (off 65, Zirkzee): Pace caused a problem for the Atletico defence but couldn't apply the finish to Martinez's lofted pass. Failure to track back in first half picked up by Wayne Rooney. Tracking back in second got him booked. 5

Bryan Mbeumo: Couldn't take early chance to equalise and denied by Oblak with a second opportunity. 6

Simon Stone
BBC Sport Chief Football News Reporter

Michael Carrick and Lisandro Martinez
Image source, Getty Images

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was sitting next to Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada in the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.

They have sacked managers in the past two seasons after backing them the previous summer, with Erik ten Hag dismissed in October 2024, before Ruben Amorim was shown the exit door in January 2026.

Lisandro Martinez threw his support behind current manager Michael Carrick last night, instead turning the spotlight on the work done by the club's directors in the transfer market.

"You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager," said Martinez. "What about other areas? I can't say more.

"Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team."

Martinez's comments echo similar ones made by his Argentina defensive partner Cristian Romero against the Tottenham board last season.

Ironically, Romero was in Atletico's side against United after his summer move to Spain.

Martinez, meanwhile, has one year left on his United contract and has yet to agree an extension.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport Arsenal reporter at Emirates Stadium

Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring for Arsenal against Lille
Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal scored three goals in seven second-half minutes to maintain their perfect start to the league phase of the Champions League by beating Lille at Emirates Stadium.

Defender Jurrien Timber sent them on their way in the 64th minute after he collected a pass from Noni Madueke and lifted a clever finish over Berke Ozer.

England forward Eberechi Eze added the second three minutes later when he finished first time from substitute Bukayo Saka's cross.

Having won at Napoli, Arsenal sealed a second victory in the competition when Saka himself rolled in the third in the 71st minute - six minutes after coming on.

The result moved last season's beaten finalists up to third place in the fledgling Champions League table.

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