Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has admitted that anger and frustration prompted his scathing criticism of the club’s hierarchy following their 2-0 defeat by 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 technical director Jason Wilcox, saying he expected more from the club’s recruitment and efforts to strengthen the team.
However, the defender has now explained that his remarks were driven by his desire to see United competing for the biggest honours in football.
“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted,” Martinez wrote in a social media post on Wednesday
“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.”
The 28-year-old stopped short of issuing a direct apology but insisted that his comments reflected his ambition for the club rather than a lack of commitment to the team.
“My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours,” he added.
“Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.”
Martinez stressed that his call for improvement was directed at the club’s collective ambition, insisting that United must continue to strengthen if they are to compete consistently at the highest level.
“When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club,” he 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.”
The defender also accepted that the players must take responsibility for the team’s performances, placing himself at the forefront of that obligation.
“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.”
Despite his criticism, Martinez reaffirmed his support for manager Michael Carrick and the people 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,” he said.
“I’m convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment.”
United have struggled for consistency this season, winning just 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 games without a win since beating Sabah in the Champions League on 10 September.
Martinez’s comments have added to scrutiny of the club’s leadership and recruitment strategy as United attempt to turn around their poor run of form.
The defender’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, although United have the option to extend it by a further year.
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to the club and his determination to help restore United to the top of English and European football.
“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,” Martinez said.
Manchester United are scheduled to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, 18 October, as they look to return to winning ways.