Lisandro Martinez: Manchester United defender clarifies angry comments after Atletico defeat

Lisandro Martinez says his criticism of Manchester United’s management was driven by “anger and frustration” after their 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League.

The Argentina defender had questioned whether the club had strengthened the squad sufficiently during the summer transfer window, despite qualifying for the Champions League.

Martinez also called for greater investment in the squad and said sporting director Jason Wilcox needed to do more.

In a statement on social media, Martinez said: “After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration because we did not achieve the result we all wanted.”

He added: “Those who know me understand how I experience football – with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. When things do not go as we want, it hurts, especially when you represent a club with the size and history of Manchester United.”

“My words reflected my feelings and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest trophies,” he said.

Martinez explained that his high standards were linked to the responsibility of playing for Manchester United.

“These standards are part of the way I view football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt,” he said. “When I speak about wanting more, I mean the ambition that everyone at the club must show so that we can continue to improve, become stronger and have everything we need to compete at the highest level.”

He added: “These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, and I am the first person who must meet them.”

Martinez acknowledged that the players were primarily responsible for producing better performances, and included himself among those accountable.

“I know the players are responsible first and foremost for delivering the required performances, and I put myself at the front of those who carry that responsibility,” he said.

“We must demand more from ourselves and work together to return Manchester United to the top. I trust my team-mates, manager Michael Carrick and everyone working to help the club move forward.”

Martinez did not offer a direct apology for his earlier comments, but made clear that he remained committed to working with his team-mates and the coaching staff to improve the team’s situation.

He said: “I am convinced that the way forward begins with continuing to work together, with ambition and commitment. My goal has not changed since the first day: to win, compete at the highest level and give everything I have for this badge.”

Manchester United are enduring a difficult spell and have not won any of their past five matches since beating Sabah in the Champions League on 10 September.

They have won only two of their first nine matches this season and are 13th in the Premier League, with 6 points from 6 matches.

Martinez’s contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the current season, although the club have the option to extend it by a further year.

Manchester United’s next match is against Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, 18 October, when they will attempt to end their poor run of results and return to winning ways.