Lisandro Martinez has defended his explosive post-match outburst against Manchester United’s hierarchy, offering an explanation but stopping short of an apology. The Argentinian says he wants to help lead United back to the summit of English and European football, and that the club’s current plight has left him “hurt”.
Martinez criticised the Old Trafford hierarchy for a lack of investment in the squad after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid. Michael Carrick’s side had welcomed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but the defender felt compelled to highlight the shortage of reinforcements and competition across the pitch.
The defeat in the Spanish capital extended United’s run without a win to five matches in all competitions. They now travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, sitting 13th in the table.
Martinez explains his comments
On Wednesday, Martinez posted a statement to his Instagram story addressing the reaction to his remarks. He wrote: “After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted.”
He continued: “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.”
Martinez insisted that his words reflected how much he wants to see the club competing for the biggest honours. “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.”
He also placed responsibility on the squad itself. “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 wrote. “We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.”
Martinez closed his statement by backing his teammates, the manager and everyone working to help the club move forward. “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,” he added.
What he said after the defeat
During heated post-match duties, Martinez pulled no punches. He said: “We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well.”
He praised the opposition before turning his attention to the club’s structure. “Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today. I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox].”
Martinez also acknowledged the players’ part in the defeat. “I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night,” he said.
He questioned the club’s approach to managerial change. “Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas,” he said. “You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can’t say more.”
He concluded by pointing to the foundations built under the previous campaign. “Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team,” he said.
Uncertain future
United had a day off as part of their routine recovery following matches, and Carrick is set to address reporters on Friday. Reports suggest that Martinez could face sanction for his outburst.
Sky Sports have reported that the former Ajax defender’s future is uncertain after he took aim at the Old Trafford supremos. A teammate is also reported to have confronted him on the squad’s flight home.