Lisandro Martinez has released a lengthy statement on Instagram after his outburst following Manchester United’s loss to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine caused a huge stir as he criticised the club’s summer recruitment, among other issues at Old Trafford.
Following the Champions League defeat, he had said: “I have to control myself a lot, but sometimes it [the defeat and form] is a reflection on the club at the moment. We had a fantastic season last season, and now we expect more from the top. We needed more players to compete, because many teams bring in other players as well.
“I expect more [after being asked if United have a Champions League quality team]. Yes, 100 per cent [I expected more investment in the summer. I expect more from our technical director, I have to be honest.”
Martinez’s comments came amid a terrible start to the new season for the Red Devils, with pressure growing on Michael Carrick after picking up just six points from the club’s opening six Premier League games.
Martinez’s New Statement
Amid heavy criticism, Martinez has now spoken out again. His full statement read:
“Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel.”
“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted. 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.”
“My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours.”
“Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge.”
It’s understood that there were questions from within the Man Utd dressing room after the loss in Madrid, with some players wanting to know who exactly he was referring to when Martinez suggested the squad wasn’t good enough. This is said to have led to a tense flight home to Manchester.
However, the senior members of the squad are reportedly in agreement with Martinez when it comes to his criticism of the board. That news will likely not go down well with the club hierarchy.
At the very least, in an odd way, the outburst has perhaps taken some of the heat off Carrick. The post-game analysis probably would have focused largely on the under-pressure Man Utd boss, but it’s instead been about the Argentine defender, as well as a wider discussion on how the club is run behind the scenes.
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