Lisandro Martinez Clarifies Man Utd Hierarchy Criticism After Atletico Loss
Lisandro Martinez has attempted to lower the temperature around Manchester United after his criticism of the club’s hierarchy followed Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, but his statement stopped short of apologising directly to the board or sporting director Jason Wilcox.
Martinez accepts player responsibility while maintaining his standards
The Argentina centre-back reacted angrily after the loss in Madrid, voicing concern over the support given to Michael Carrick during the summer transfer window. Martinez defended the head coach, arguing that United cannot repeatedly replace managers, while directing his frustration towards the club’s leadership.
On Wednesday, the 28-year-old posted a 271-word response on Instagram after reports emerged that disciplinary action could follow. He said his immediate reaction had come from disappointment at the result and from his determination to see United competing for major trophies again.
Martinez wrote that football is central to his life and that poor results hurt more when playing for a club of United’s stature. He said his comments were rooted in a desire for the side to improve, become stronger and possess the resources needed to compete at the highest level.
While reiterating the need for greater ambition across the club, Martinez also placed the primary burden on the squad. He said the players must produce on the pitch and included himself first among those who must raise their level.
A difficult start has sharpened the internal pressure
The Atletico defeat was United’s fifth loss in their opening nine matches of the season, intensifying scrutiny at Old Trafford. The public disagreement has added to a difficult atmosphere around the team rather than easing it.
Amad Diallo added to the noise with a social-media post that described the situation as a “f***ing disgrace” and said he had no words. The message did not explain what it referred to, but it underlined the unsettled mood following the Madrid result.
- Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
- Martinez criticised the board and Jason Wilcox over the summer backing received by Carrick.
- Reports suggested the defender could face club punishment.
- Martinez issued his Wednesday statement, explaining his frustration but offering no direct apology to the executives involved.
- United now prepare for Sunday’s Premier League visit to Leeds United.
Carrick retains Martinez’s backing ahead of Leeds trip
Martinez has been clear that Carrick has his support. In his initial remarks after the Atletico match, he said the manager was working as hard as possible and warned against another change in the dugout.
His follow-up message maintained that position. Martinez said he believes in his team-mates, the manager and the staff working to move the club forward, arguing that unity, commitment and higher demands from within are required to return United to the top.
That support may be particularly significant this weekend, with Carrick facing defensive absences before the trip to Elland Road. Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui are unavailable for the match against Leeds.
Matthijs de Ligt was named among the substitutes in Madrid after returning from a back injury that had kept him out for a year. His return offers Carrick an additional option, but Martinez remains a crucial member of the likely starting side despite the controversy surrounding him.
Contract position adds another question for United
Martinez’s future beyond this season is also unresolved. His present deal runs until the end of June, although United hold an option to extend it by a further year.
The club are expected to activate that clause rather than allow the £57 million World Cup winner to enter the final months of his agreement and potentially leave without a transfer fee next summer.
- United have lost five of their first nine games this season.
- Martinez says his criticism was driven by frustration and a demand for higher standards.
- The defender has continued to back Carrick and the coaching staff.
- Injuries to Shaw, Dorgu and Mazraoui leave United short of defensive options at Leeds.
- United’s extension clause could keep Martinez under contract beyond June.
