Keane describes United as a 'circus' after Martinez rant
Manchester United player Lisandro Martinez has faced backlash from club legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville following his public criticism of the team's recruitment and ambition. Keane described the club's current state as a 'circus,' while Neville argued that Martinez's comments unfairly attacked his own teammates.
Why it matters
The public fallout highlights the internal instability and cultural challenges currently facing one of the world's most prominent football clubs.
Roy Keane has branded Manchester United a "circus" following Lisandro Martinez's outburst against the club’s hierarchy.
Argentina defender Martinez accused the club of lacking ambition and questioned their summer recruitment after Tuesday night’s 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.
Former United defender Gary Neville said Martinez’s comments amounted to a direct attack on his team-mates and suggested senior players would be "absolutely fuming", while ex-captain Keane described the remarks as symptomatic of the "chaos" at Old Trafford.
"They’re obviously not together," Keane said of the club, speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast. "It is chaotic there from the top to the bottom. We go there on match days and I don’t like the feeling around the club.
"It just seems chaotic – statements can reflect it. It was chaotic with how they got to (Michael) Carrick as their manager.
Also covering this story
9 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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