Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has clarified his outburst following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid in a statement – but stopped short of apologizing.
Martinez launched an extraordinary attack on the club’s hierarchy after the 2-0 defeat in Madrid, as he criticized the lack of summer investment in the squad, said he expected more from “the top” and singled out technical director Jason Wilcox.
But 24 hours after his amazing post-match interview, the Argentine released a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night to clarify his comments.
He said: “Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts about what I said and how I feel.
“After the game, I spoke out of anger and disappointment that we didn’t get the result we all wanted.
“Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, dedication and a great desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when we represent a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
“My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. These high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
“When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition that we should all have as part of this club. To keep growing, to get stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. Those are the standards we all have to live up to, starting with me.
“I know that, first and foremost, it is us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the forefront of that responsibility. We have to demand even more from ourselves and work together to get Manchester United back on top.
“I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone who works to help this club move forward. I am convinced that the way forward is to continue working together, with ambition and commitment.
“My goal has been the same since day one, to win, compete at the highest level and give everything I have for this symbol.”
Martinez’s future at Man Utd is in doubt
Sky Sports News football correspondent Rob Dorsett:
There are genuine doubts whether Martinez’s contract will be extended when it expires in the summer.
United will focus on revamping their defense in the upcoming transfer windows and will have the formal option to extend Martinez’s stay for another year.
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Jamie O’Hara slammed Martinez following comments made by the defender aimed at Manchester United’s hierarchy.
Sky Sports News he has also been told that United are looking for new centre-backs as well as left-backs.
United chiefs have yet to decide whether to discipline Martinez for his comments, when he said: “I expect more from our technical director (meaning director of football Jason Wilcox). We expect more from the top, from the top, to bring in more players to compete.”
Sky Sports News There is said to be anger and surprise at what Martinez said, both in the United boardroom and in the dressing room, with at least one other player challenging him over his comments as the team boarded the plane to fly back to Manchester.
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Football pundits react to Lisandro Martinez’s comments aimed at Manchester United’s hierarchy following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
It is also understood that there is no pressure on Wilcox internally regarding his position.
The implication that Martinez doesn’t think his teammates are good enough to compete hasn’t gone down well with other players.
Martinez has been keen on a move away from Old Trafford for some time.
In the summer, he pushed for a move to Atletico Madrid, the team who beat United in the Champions League on Tuesday night, to follow his good friend and international team-mate. Cristian Romero, who left Spurs for Spain.
No suitable offer for Martinez came for Manchester United to consider.
The 28-year-old made similarly explosive comments about his bosses when he was at Ajax in 2022. Martinez, who again wanted to leave, called their sporting director Gerry Hamstra a “nobody”.
Martinez remains a key part of Michael Carrick’s squad and United’s management know they must handle this situation with care.
