Lisandro Martínez has issued a fresh statement addressing his post-match outburst following Manchester United's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, admitting he spoke in anger but refusing to back down from his demands for greater investment at the club.
After the loss in Spain, the Argentine defender had criticised the club's hierarchy, directing his frustration at director of football Jason Wilcox over the lack of summer spending. He stressed that while the players and manager Michael Carrick must take some responsibility for United's poor recent form, he believes the squad has not been properly equipped to compete on multiple fronts this season. According to The Mirror, Martínez called for more investment from the club's technical director, while also acknowledging that the players themselves need to do more, and suggested other areas beyond the coaching staff and squad deserved scrutiny after the defeat.
Martínez took to social media on Wednesday night, local time, to explain his comments, as reported by The Mirror. He admitted that he "spoke out in anger and frustration," but added: "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."
He continued: "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."
Martínez also offered support to the club's leadership, saying: "I believe in my teammates, 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."
According to The Sun, a number of players have welcomed Martínez's honesty, viewing his comments as ultimately defending the under-fire Carrick. Not all of his teammates have rallied behind him, however. One senior player reportedly feels Martínez's comments shifted the coverage of the Atlético defeat, with many believing the team had actually performed well despite the result. Another squad member suggested that the absence of certain teammates has affected harmony within the squad.
It was widely reported that United missed out on numerous transfer targets over the summer, including Elliot Anderson, with the club opting against pursuing players they considered too expensive. Midfield was the only position reinforced during the window, with no forwards or defenders arriving, leaving Carrick working with a defensive unit that has gone several summers without new additions.
Manchester United have reportedly decided that Jason Wilcox's position as director of football remains secure despite Martínez's criticism, according to a report from the day before, which also noted the club was still weighing disciplinary measures against the defender, potentially a fine or brief suspension. The same report noted that Martínez's contract expires this summer, with United holding an option to extend it by a further 12 months, though it remains unclear whether they will exercise that option.
