Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has defended his criticism of the club’s hierarchy and said the comments he made in his extraordinary attack of technical director Jason Wilcox reflected his desire to “compete for the biggest honours”.
Martinez gave an astonishing post-match interview following United’s 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in which he said he expected more from Wilcox to strengthen the playing squad and criticised him for not supporting Michael Carrick in the summer transfer window.
The Argentina international, who is out of contract next summer, was himself criticised by former United striker Wayne Rooney for being “disrespectful” towards his team-mates and Martinez has now acknowledged he had spoken out in “anger and frustration” following the defeat at Atletico.
Martinez stopped short of apologising, however, and is expected to still be part of Carrick’s squad for Sunday’s trip to Leeds in the Premier League. Carrick did not comment on Martinez’s interview on Tuesday but will address the media again on Friday and will confirm whether any disciplinary decisions have been taken.
United have also not commented on Martinez’s interview, while Sky Sports reported that the 28-year-old was challenged over his comments by at least one player on the flight back from Madrid, but his views are said to be shared by some frustrated team-mates.
Lisandro Martinez’s statement in full
"Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel. After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted.
"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.
"My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those 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 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. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.
"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. We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.
"I believe in my team-mates, 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.
"My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge."