Manchester United's season has hit a new low following a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, with centre-back Lisandro Martinez publicly criticizing the club's board for a lack of support.

The loss in Madrid marks the third defeat in five winless matches, contributing to Manchester United's worst start to a football season in 40 years. This downturn follows a third-place finish last season under manager Michael Carrick, which had raised hopes for the current campaign.

Martinez's strong reaction came after a series of disappointing results across all competitions. The team has secured only two victories in nine matches so far this season: an early home win against Ipswich Town in the league and a Champions League thrashing of Sabah. A controversial derby loss to Manchester City and a League Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion have further compounded their struggles.

The team's poor form has left them sitting 12th in the Premier League, with just six points from six games – their lowest tally at this stage since 1986. This has led to widespread criticism from pundits and former players, with Gary Neville describing the team's second-half effort in a recent draw as "absolutely pathetic."

Manager Michael Carrick acknowledged the difficult period, stating that "It’s not been ideal. It was always going to come at some point." Despite the mounting pressure, Carrick has attempted to maintain a defiant stance amidst intense scrutiny surrounding one of football's most prominent clubs.

Player performances have also been a concern, with Professional Footballers' Association player of the year for the previous season, Bruno Fernandes, misfiring in the current campaign. The squad has shown a general lack of urgency across various departments, contributing to their dismal league position and early cup exits.

Fans and players alike are left pondering how the initial optimism of the 2026-27 season has so rapidly devolved into despair. The club's financial performance has also seen a significant downturn, with reported losses jumping nearly a third despite record revenue figures.

With the team struggling to find form and facing criticism from within and outside the club, the focus now shifts to how Manchester United will navigate this challenging period and address the underlying issues that have led to their worst start in four decades.