Lisandro Martinez doubles down on Manchester United criticism in shock statement

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COMMENTSLisandro Martinez has not apologised for his scathing criticism of Manchester United’s hierarchy after the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid.

Michael Carrick’s side were deservedly beaten by Atleti in the Champions League on Tuesday, and Martinez, who started the game for the visitors at centre-back, launched a stunning attack on the club’s board and recruitment strategy in his post-match interview with Amazon Prime Video.

He took aim at “technical director” Jason Wilcox, insisting that those above should do more to help the club progress after a poor start to the season under their new permanent head coach.

Martinez reaffirmed his message to CBS Sports afterwards, and now, the Argentine has taken to social media to release a fresh statement.

The defender wrote on Instagram: “Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel.

Furious: Lisandro MartinezGetty”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.

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“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.”

Beaten: Manchester UnitedGettySky Sports reported earlier on Wednesday that Martinez’s future at Old Trafford had been called into question as a result of his comments, with plenty at United unhappy with his criticisms.

The report went further in detailing that the former Ajax man, who joined United in 2022 under Erik ten Hag, had pushed for a move to Atletico in the summer, and he remains keen to leave Manchester.

The 28-year-old’s contract in the north-west expires at the end of the current campaign.