Lisandro Martinez issues fresh statement after Man United hierarchy criticism

Lisandro Martinez has come out in defence of his scathing remarks about the Manchester United hierarchy, insisting that his extraordinary attack on technical director Jason Wilcox stems from a burning ambition to challenge for the biggest prizes. The Argentine centre-back admits he spoke in anger and frustration after the 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid, but has offered no apology.

• Martinez criticised Jason Wilcox for failing to strengthen the squad and for not backing Michael Carrick in the summer window.
• The Argentine defender says his comments came from anger and frustration, but refuses to say sorry.
• Wayne Rooney branded his words disrespectful towards team-mates.
• At least one player challenged him on the flight back from Madrid, though some team-mates share his views.
• Carrick did not comment on Tuesday and will address the media again on Friday over any disciplinary action.

What Lisandro Martinez said about Manchester United's hierarchy

The controversy erupted in the mixed zone at the Metropolitano. After United's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, Martinez took aim at the club's sporting structure. The defender said he expected more from Jason Wilcox in terms of strengthening the squad and criticised him for not supporting Michael Carrick during the summer transfer window.

The centre-back, whose contract expires next summer, drew heavy criticism from Wayne Rooney. The former United striker felt his comments were disrespectful towards his own team-mates. Sky Sports reported that at least one player confronted Martinez on the flight back to Manchester, although some frustrated colleagues are said to share his opinion.

Martinez's response after the Madrid defeat

A day after the storm, Martinez has sought to clarify his words without backing down. The player acknowledges he spoke in the heat of the moment, driven by the anger of a defeat that damages United's European hopes. Yet he has not retreated from the core of his message: he wants a more ambitious club and a stronger squad.

After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted. My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours.

Lisandro Martinez's current situation at Manchester United

The Argentina international remains at Michael Carrick's disposal. Barring a surprise, he will be part of the squad for Sunday's Premier League trip to Leeds. The manager did not address the controversy on Tuesday night and is expected to face the media on Friday, when he will confirm whether any disciplinary measures have been taken.

The club has also made no official comment on the player's interview. His contract situation adds further uncertainty: Martinez becomes a free agent in June and his long-term future at Old Trafford is far from guaranteed.

What is at stake for Manchester United at Leeds

Sunday's clash at Elland Road arrives at a delicate moment. The defeat in Madrid left United with work to do in Europe, and now the team must respond in the Premier League to avoid drifting away from the top positions in the table. A slip-up against historic rivals Leeds would pile more pressure on Carrick and on a dressing room living through turbulent times.

Martinez's comments have exposed a simmering discontent. Some team-mates share his frustration over the lack of new signings, but others believe airing those problems in public only hurts the group. The Leeds match will be the first test of how the squad responds on the pitch.

Internal criticism at Old Trafford: a recurring theme

This is not the first time a United player has publicly voiced frustration with the sporting leadership. Over recent years, several influential dressing-room figures have questioned squad planning and the project's ambition. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and the tensions surrounding Jadon Sancho highlighted a difficult relationship between players and the board.

Martinez's case, however, carries a distinct edge: rather than waiting for the transfer window to close or leaking his concerns through third parties, he said it pitch-side, on camera, with the match still raw. The decision has split supporters between those who admire his honesty and those who would rather see him focus on his performances.