Martínez turns on Manchester United's hierarchy after a 2-0 defeat at Atlético. Arsenal beat Lille 3-0, and the football regulator says 94% of clubs lose money
Atlético Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 on Tuesday, with Barrios scoring after 53 seconds, and United finished with ten men. Defender Lisandro Martínez said he expected more and criticised the club's hierarchy. La Nación, alone, reported that Wayne Rooney called his remarks disrespectful. Arsenal beat Lille 3-0 with three goals in seven minutes. Separately the Independent Football Regulator said 94% of clubs in the top five divisions were operating at a loss, and its chair David Kogan said he would resign if politically pressured over Manchester City.
A player attacking his own board in public suggests a rift at one of England's biggest clubs. The regulator's report suggests many clubs have little margin for error.
For fans of both clubs the Champions League table decides fixtures and income. For everyone else, the regulator's findings bear on whether smaller clubs can survive.
Martínez's words will matter less than what the board does next. The regulator's claim to independence will be tested by how it handles City.
DailyDrop U.K. edition No. 10 · Morning · WED., OCT. 14, 2026