Neville sees possible lift for Manchester United after Martinez criticism
The former United captain said the squad needed a jolt, while warning that public criticism of recruitment can leave teammates feeling let down.
Gary Neville has suggested that Lisandro Martinez’s criticism of Manchester United’s board might spur Michael Carrick’s squad into a response. The former United captain offered his assessment after the team drew 1-1 with Leeds United in the Premier League.
On his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said the controversy could provide motivation for a team he believed needed a jolt. He nevertheless described Martinez’s remarks as unhelpful, saying complaints about insufficient recruitment implicitly criticized existing players and put pressure on the manager. He said similar comments could leave people in a dressing room feeling let down.
The dispute followed United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. In an Amazon Prime interview afterward, Martinez criticized the board, including technical director Jason Wilcox, over its failure to strengthen the squad during the summer. Amad Diallo separately expressed anger in a Snapchat post after the defeat.
Carrick selected both players to start against Leeds after Martinez had apologized. A thigh injury ended the defender’s involvement at halftime, leaving his availability uncertain for United’s Champions League visit to Como.
United are 13th in the Premier League with seven points from seven matches, 14 points adrift of leaders Manchester City. Their next league fixture is at home against Bournemouth, following the trip to Como.
