On the evening of 14/10, Martinez posted a statement on Instagram, speaking out for the first time since publicly criticizing Man Utd's leadership after their 0-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League qualification round. The Argentinian central defender explained that his controversial remarks arose from anger and frustration, but he offered no apology or retraction of his views.

"After the match, I spoke in anger and frustration because we did not achieve the result everyone wanted", Martinez wrote. "Those who know me understand that I live football with passion, dedication, and an intense desire to win. When things do not go as expected, it is painful, especially when playing for a club with the history and stature of Man Utd".

Lisandro Martinez (in blue) challenges Pablo Barrios during Man Utd's 0-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League qualification round on 13/10 at the Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid. Photo: Reuters

The Argentina international emphasized that his criticism reflected his true feelings and his wish to see Man Utd compete for the biggest titles. According to him, setting high standards is the responsibility of anyone who wears the club's jersey.

"When I said I wanted more, I was referring to the ambition that all club members must have", Martinez explained. "We must continue to develop, become stronger, and have all the conditions necessary to compete at the highest level. That is the standard we must all strive for, starting with myself".

Under the guidance of coach Michael Carrick, Man Utd performed well in the latter half of the 2025-2026 season. They won 12 of 17 matches, finishing third to return to the Champions League and fostering significant optimism ahead of the new season.

However, since the start of the current season, the "Red Devils" have struggled. The club won only one of its six initial Premier League matches, marking its worst start to a season in 40 years. The Old Trafford side was also eliminated early from the English League Cup after losing to Brighton despite holding a 2-0 lead.

Martinez acknowledged the players' responsibility for the disappointing run of results. The player, born in 1998, affirmed his continued trust in his teammates, coach Carrick, and those working to advance the club. He believes the only way to improve the situation is through unity, sustained ambition, and dedication.

"First and foremost, we, the players, must perform on the field. I place myself first in that responsibility. We must demand more from ourselves and work together to bring Man Utd back to its peak", he stressed. "My goal has never changed since day one: to win, compete at the highest level, and give my all for the emblem on my chest".

This statement came approximately 24 hours after Martinez publicly questioned Technical Director Jason Wilcox and suggested that coach Carrick did not receive adequate support in the summer 2026 transfer market.

Wilcox holds the highest authority within Man Utd's football department, with ultimate responsibility for player recruitment. However, Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada also oversees both sporting and commercial operations.

Jason Wilcox (left) shakes hands with Michael Carrick after Carrick was appointed official coach of Man Utd in 5/2026. Photo: Man Utd

Martinez will likely face internal disciplinary action for his public remarks targeting the leadership. However, he is not the only one dissatisfied with Man Utd's transfer policy. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw previously expressed their desire for the club to strengthen its squad over the summer, though with a more moderate tone. Several players in the locker room reportedly share Martinez's views on Wilcox and the leadership's management approach.

According to The Athletic, the most notable aspect of Martinez's statement was not what he said, but what he did not mention: an apology. While he admitted speaking in anger and frustration, the Argentinian central defender showed no sign of regret for his post-Atletico interviews. On the contrary, his assertion that his words reflected his true feelings indicates he maintains his stance, opting only for a calmer and more measured delivery.

Martinez twice mentioned "ambition" in his statement, citing it as the driving force behind his public dissatisfaction. This sentiment is likely to resonate with fans, who consistently hope for Man Utd to regain its position as a top European power.

However, over the past 13 years, fans have become accustomed to calls for the club's restoration, from coaches, players, former legends, experts, media, and even the leadership itself. These strong statements have yet to bring about the expected change.

What differentiates Martinez is that he directly targeted his criticism at the club's executives while still a first-team player. Whether this action can catalyze substantive changes remains an open question.

Compared to his immediate post-Atletico loss remarks, Martinez's new statement conveys more humility. He acknowledged that players must take primary responsibility, and he identified himself as needing to perform better. This can also be seen as an indirect admission of individual errors on the field, which contributed to Man Utd's disappointing start.

Martinez's public expression of trust in his teammates and coach Carrick could also be interpreted as an attempt to mend relationships within the locker room following his controversial statements.

However, the Argentinian central defender only affirmed his trust in "those working to help the club move forward", rather than specifically mentioning the entire leadership. This phrasing leaves open a question: Does Martinez believe that some in power at Old Trafford are not truly doing their utmost to return Man Utd to its peak?

Compiled by Hong Duy