Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has addressed the public fallout from his emotional post-match interview, which followed his team’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. The Argentinian international had previously launched a pointed critique directed at the club’s board and director of football, Jason Wilcox, accusing the leadership of stagnation and a lack of ambition to compete with Europe’s elite clubs. Lisandro Martinez issues fresh statement after criticism of Man United hierarchy The Independent.
The remarks drew significant attention, with pundits like Wayne Rooney debating the validity of his claims, while many supporters felt he voiced long-standing concerns publicly. Reports have since circulated regarding potential dressing room tension and questions over his future at Old Trafford.
Addressing the situation via an Instagram post on Wednesday, Martinez clarified his motivations: “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.” Featured image by Denis Doyle via Getty Images.
He emphasized that his comments were rooted in his personal standard for the club: “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.”
To clarify his earlier calls for change, Martinez added that the entire squad must maintain the ambition to “keep growing” and “become stronger” to succeed at the highest level. He accepted his share of the burden, stating: “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.”
Expressing support for the current management, he concluded: “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.”
Martinez is expected to be available for selection in the upcoming clash against Leeds United, scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 BST.
Upcoming Match Schedule
- RFS vs. SK Super Nova: 19:30
- Obolon Kyiv vs. Veres Rivne: Tomorrow 15:30
- St. Pölten vs. Rapid Vienna II: Tomorrow 22:00
- Austria II vs. Hertha Wels: Tomorrow 22:00
- ASK Voitsberg vs. First Vienna: Tomorrow 22:00
- Energie Cottbus vs. Nürnberg: Tomorrow 22:00
- Holstein Kiel vs. Hertha: Tomorrow 22:00
- SC Freiburg Women vs. RB Leipzig Women: Tomorrow 22:00
- Fortuna Köln vs. VfB Stuttgart II: Tomorrow 22:30
- SV Sandhausen vs. Kickers Offenbach: Tomorrow 22:30
- Rapid Vienna vs. TSV Hartberg: Tomorrow 23:00
Future Fixtures
- Wacker vs. Austria Salzburg: 17/10/2026 00:00
- Hellas Verona vs. Catanzaro: 17/10/2026 00:00
- Atlanta United 2 vs. CT United: 17/10/2026 03:30
- Ventura County FC vs. MNUFC2: 17/10/2026 07:30
- Portland Timbers 2 vs. St Louis CITY2: 17/10/2026 07:30
- Zorya Luhansk vs. Chornomorets Odesa: 17/10/2026 15:30
- Grobiņa vs. Ogre United: 17/10/2026 16:30
- VfL Wolfsburg vs. Heidenheim: 17/10/2026 16:30
Important Details
- “How I feel”: Lisandro Martinez releases shock statement 24 hours after seismic post-match interview.
