Lisandro Martinez says frustration drove criticism of Manchester United transfer plans

Lisandro Martinez says anger and disappointment after Manchester United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico de Madrid led him to question the club’s ambition and transfer strategy.

The Argentina defender said after Tuesday’s loss in Spain that he had expected Manchester United to invest more heavily in the squad after their third-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Martinez also criticised technical director Jason Wilcox, saying he had anticipated greater activity in the transfer market as the club prepared to return to European football’s leading competition.

Manchester United signed three midfielders – Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos – for around 150 million pounds. However, their spending was considerably below that of several Premier League rivals.

Martinez has since sought to explain his remarks, accepting that the frustration of another poor result influenced what he said.

“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted,” he wrote on social media.

He said his comments about investment were intended to underline the standards and ambition required at Manchester United, rather than undermine the club or its squad.

“When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club. To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level,” he added.

“These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.”

The 28-year-old also offered his backing to his team-mates and manager Michael Carrick, saying collective effort would be vital if Manchester United are to improve their position.

“I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward. I’m convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment,” Martinez said.

The defender has himself been under pressure during Manchester United’s difficult campaign.

He scored an own goal in last month’s 1-1 draw with Fulham and was outmuscled by Dominic Solanke as 10-man Tottenham secured a point at Old Trafford last weekend.

Manchester United are enduring their worst start to a Premier League season in 40 years, placing further pressure on Carrick only months after he was appointed permanent manager.

Carrick’s side face another demanding fixture on Sunday when they travel to historic rivals Leeds in the Premier League.

Martinez’s clarification comes as Manchester United attempt to recover from a run of results that has intensified scrutiny of both the squad and the manager. His message stressed that greater ambition must be matched by unity, hard work and commitment from everyone at the club.