Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez has released a statement clarifying his controversial comments about the club’s hierarchy following the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The Argentine international admitted that his remarks were made out of “anger and frustration” after the disappointing result but stopped short of apologising for his criticism of the club’s leadership. Martínez sparked controversy after questioning Manchester United’s summer transfer business and calling for greater investment in the squad.
He also singled out director of football Jason Wilcox, insisting that the club’s hierarchy needed to do more to help the team compete for major honours.
What Did Lisandro Martínez Say in His Statement?
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Martínez explained the emotions behind his comments and reaffirmed his ambition to see Manchester United return to the top of European football.
“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted.”
He explained that representing a club with Manchester United’s history and stature comes with enormous expectations, adding that his comments reflected his desire to see the team competing for the biggest trophies. The defender also stressed that maintaining high standards and ambition should be a collective responsibility across the club.
“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,” he added.
Despite his criticism of the club’s hierarchy, Martínez acknowledged that the players must take responsibility for their performances on the pitch.
The Argentine defender urged his teammates to demand more of themselves and work together to improve the team’s results.
He also expressed his continued confidence in his teammates, manager Michael Carrick and everyone working behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
He continued,
“I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Manchester United, insisting that his objective has always been to win trophies, compete at the highest level and give everything for the club.
Although Martínez acknowledged that frustration influenced his post-match remarks, his statement diwasot am apology. Instead, he stood by the underlying message that Manchester United must maintain higher standards. Manchester United have yet to publicly respond to the defender’s remarks, leaving questions about the potential consequences of his criticism.
Martínez’s message is clear: he wants Manchester United to compete for the biggest honours again, but he believes that achieving that objective requires ambition, accountability and a collective commitment to improvement.