Football fans believe they have identified the moment that “triggered” Lisandro Martinez’s viral outburst following Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The defender launched a furious assessment of the club after United suffered a 2-0 loss in the Spanish capital on Tuesday night.
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Michael Carrick’s side have now managed just two victories across all competitions this season, adding to the growing pressure surrounding the club.
Martinez was outspoken in his criticism of both the team and United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, insisting that he expected “more” from the latter.
However, the Argentine did not appear to lose his temper immediately after the final whistle, as he was seen exchanging friendly greetings with several Atletico players.
Giuliano Simeone, Cuti Romero, Julián Álvarez and Juan Musso teasing Lisandro Martínez about the result. 😭😭
🎥 @GermanCarrara pic.twitter.com/E9AlOjmnzd
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 13, 2026
Fans, though, believe his mood changed following a short conversation with fellow Argentines Cristian Romero and Juan Musso.
The three men were spotted talking near the centre circle shortly after the game ended.
During the exchange, Romero appeared to reprimand his international team-mate before the pair slapped hands and went their separate ways.
The former Tottenham defender was then seen wearing what looked like a knowing smile after their brief conversation.
Musso, who also appeared amused, subsequently covered his mouth while seemingly saying something directly to Martinez.
Video footage of the post-match interaction quickly circulated across social media, with supporters suggesting that the exchange was what pushed the Manchester United defender over the edge.
One fan wrote on X: “Romero put the batteries in his back!!! It was a Romero-level head loss.”
Another commented: “This is what triggered him. I’m crying.”
A third added: “Sent his head straight to Mars ’
One supporter remarked: “He saw his national team peers troll him after the game & his head went LOOOOL.”
Another agreed, saying: “Completely valid head loss.”
Meanwhile, Martinez’s biggest complaint after the defeat centred on Manchester United’s spending during the summer transfer window.
Asked whether he believed Carrick had been given enough support, the defender told Amazon Prime: “I don’t think so.
“He does his best. Every season is different.
“You can’t stay with what you did last season. The teams knows how you play, they know every detail, if you don’t change next season is a big problem.
“You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can’t say more.
“Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players, but also we have to see other areas”, before gesturing towards the club’s hierarchy.
Carrick was subsequently asked about Martinez’s explosive comments during his post-match press conference but declined to go into detail, explaining that he had not seen the defender.
Nevertheless, the under-pressure manager acknowledged that the former Ajax star could sometimes be highly “emotional”.
Manchester United will look to respond to their European setback on Sunday when they travel to Elland Road for a Premier League meeting with Leeds United.
