Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has defended his criticism of the club’s leadership after Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. He said his comments reflected his desire to see the team compete for major honours.
On Wednesday, Martinez acknowledged that frustration had shaped his post-match remarks. He had called for greater investment in the squad and questioned the recruitment efforts of director of football Jason Wilcox, but he stopped short of apologising.
Martinez says anger shaped his post-match comments
In an Instagram post, Martinez wrote that he had “spoken out of anger and frustration” at not getting the result the team wanted. He said he lives football with passion and a huge desire to win, and that it hurts when things do not go the way he hopes, particularly while representing a club of United’s history and stature.
Martinez also said the players must take responsibility for improving the team’s performances. He added that he placed himself at the front of that responsibility.
Defeat deepens scrutiny of head coach Michael Carrick
The loss extended United’s winless run to five matches in all competitions. It also added to scrutiny of head coach Michael Carrick as the club adjusts to life back in the Champions League after two seasons away.
Martinez said he believed in his teammates, the manager and everyone working to help the club move forward. United have not publicly responded to his remarks, although media reports said Wilcox retained the backing of the club’s leadership.
Carrick is due to speak to the media on Friday at his news conference ahead of Sunday’s league match at Leeds United.
