Manchester United defender, Lisandro Martinez, has attributed his recent criticism of the club’s leadership to anger and frustration following their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The Argentine centre-back had criticised United’s transfer strategy during the summer window, questioning the club’s commitment to strengthening the squad despite securing qualification for the Champions League.
Martinez also expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, suggesting that he had expected greater efforts to improve the team’s quality and competitiveness.
However, the 28-year-old has now clarified that his remarks were motivated by his determination to see Manchester United return to competing for major trophies.
“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.”
Although the defender did not issue a direct apology, he maintained that his comments reflected his ambitions for the club and his desire to see it achieve greater success.
“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 further explained that his demand for improvement was directed at the club’s overall ambitions, stressing the need for continued progress if United 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 acknowledged that the players must accept responsibility for the club’s disappointing performances, insisting that he was prepared to lead by example.
“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 concerns about the club’s direction, Martinez reiterated his confidence in manager Michael Carrick, his teammates and the personnel working behind the scenes to improve the team’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.”
Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the season, winning just two of their nine matches and occupying 13th position in the Premier League with six points from six games, according to the figures contained in the report.
The club have also gone five consecutive matches without a victory since their Champions League win over Sabah on September 10.
Martinez’s public criticism has intensified scrutiny of United’s recruitment policy and leadership as the club attempts to recover from its poor run of results.
The defender’s current contract is scheduled to expire at the end of the season, although Manchester United retain the option to extend the deal by another year.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the club and his determination to help restore its status among the leading teams in England and Europe.
“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 host Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, October 18, as they seek to end their winless run and return to winning ways.
