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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has admitted that anger and frustration prompted his criticism of the club’s hierarchy following their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The Argentina international had questioned United’s lack of investment in the squad during the summer transfer window, despite the club securing qualification for the Champions League.
Martinez also expressed disappointment with the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, saying he expected more from the recruitment department and its efforts to strengthen the team ahead of the new season.
However, the defender has now explained that his outburst was driven by his desire to see Manchester United competing for the biggest honours in football, insisting that his comments reflected his ambition for the club.
In a statement posted on social media on Wednesday, Martinez acknowledged that his reaction followed the disappointment of failing to secure the result the team wanted.
“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted,” he wrote.
The 28-year-old said his passion for football and determination to win made disappointing results particularly painful, especially when representing a club with Manchester United’s history and reputation.
“Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United,” he added.
Martinez insists United must compete for major trophies
Although he stopped short of issuing a direct apology, Martinez maintained that his remarks were motivated by his desire to see the club return to the top of English and European football.
“My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours,” he said.
The defender stressed that the standards expected at Manchester United should reflect the club’s history and ambitions, adding that sustained improvement would require collective commitment from players and officials.
He explained that his call for greater ambition was not directed at a single individual but reflected what he believed everyone associated with the club should demand.
“When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club,” Martinez said.
“To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.”
His comments came amid growing scrutiny of United’s recruitment strategy and their ability to assemble a squad capable of challenging consistently for major trophies.
Defender accepts responsibility for poor results
Despite his concerns about the club’s transfer policy, Martinez acknowledged that the players must take responsibility for their performances on the pitch.
He said the team needed to raise its standards, work collectively and show greater determination if United were to recover from their disappointing run of results.
“I know that, first and foremost, it’s us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility,” he said.
“We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.”
The defender also reaffirmed his confidence in manager Michael Carrick, his teammates and those working behind the scenes to improve the club’s fortunes.
“I believe in my team-mates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward,” Martinez said.
“I’m convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment.”
Man United struggle as pressure mounts
Manchester United have endured an inconsistent start to the campaign, winning only two of their nine matches and sitting 13th in the Premier League with six points from six games, according to the figures provided in the report.
The club have also gone five matches without a victory since beating Sabah in the Champions League on September 10, further increasing pressure on the team to improve its performances.
Their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid has added to concerns about the squad’s competitiveness and the club’s overall direction, with Martinez’s comments bringing renewed attention to the relationship between the players and the hierarchy.
The defender’s future at Old Trafford is also uncertain, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season. However, the club have the option to extend the deal by another year.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract and his public criticism of the club’s recruitment, Martinez insisted that his personal objective remained unchanged.
“My goal has been the same since day one, to win, compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge,” he said.
Manchester United are scheduled to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, October 18, when they will seek to end their poor run and return to winning ways.
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