Martinez: 'spoke out of anger and frustration' after Atletico defeat

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez said he "spoke out of anger and frustration" after criticising the club's hierarchy following Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League group-stage defeat at Atletico Madrid. He targeted the club's summer recruitment, saying he had expected more investment and "more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]".

Martinez, who joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022, made the remarks in the aftermath of the Atletico Madrid loss and expanded on them in a social media post. His contract expires at the end of the season with United holding an option to extend for a further year. Manchester United have not won in five games since beating Sabah in the Champions League on 10 September, have won two of their nine matches this season and sit 13th in the Premier League with six points from six games.

"After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted," Martinez wrote in the social media post. He added that those who know him understand his commitment to football and his desire to win.

On the club's transfer activity, Martinez criticised the lack of additions after United qualified for the Champions League and said he expected greater backing. He explicitly referenced the technical department when he wrote that he wanted "more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]".

While he did not offer an apology for his comments, Martinez asserted his support for team personnel, saying he has "belief in my team-mates, our manager [Michael Carrick] and everyone working to help this club move forward". He framed his comments as driven by the pain of a poor result at a club with United's stature.

Martinez outlined the standards he expects at the club, writing: "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." He added, "My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours."

Addressing responsibility and objectives, Martinez wrote: "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," and reiterated his personal aim: "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."

Manchester United's next fixture is away to Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, 18 October.