Lisandro Martinez clarifies his remarks but offers no apology

Lisandro Martinez has clarified his remarks after Manchester United’s Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, but did not apologise. The Argentina defender posted a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night, a day after his post-match interview, to explain what he meant.

After the defeat in Madrid, Martinez had sharply criticised the club’s hierarchy. He was unhappy with the club's failure to strengthen the squad over the summer, called for more from its leadership and specifically named technical director Jason Wilcox.

In his statement, he said his comments had come from anger and frustration at a result that was not what the team wanted. “Those who know me know that I live football with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win,” he wrote, adding that defeat hurt especially when representing Manchester United.

Martinez stood by the substance of his remarks, describing them as an expression of his ambition to see the club compete for the biggest honours. He also stressed the players’ responsibility: “We have to deliver first and foremost, and I take my share of that responsibility.”

The defender said he believed in his team-mates, his manager and everyone working to move the club forward. He called for them to keep working together with ambition and commitment, and said his goal remained to win and give everything for the badge.