Lisandro Martinez launched an astonishing attack on director of football Jason Wilcox and the Manchester United hierarchy following his side's defeat to Atletico Madrid
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez during Manchester United's defeat to Atletico Madrid(Image: (Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))
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Lisandro Martinez’s Manchester United future is now in doubt following his outburst against the club’s hierarchy. The defender’s deal at Old Trafford has entered the final year, but the club has an option to extend it by a further 12 months to June 2028.
However, according to The Athletic, Martinez does not want to extend his time at United and the club also have doubts about triggering the option. The report adds that if the Argentine departs, his preferred destination would be Spain.
It is also claimed in the report that Martinez has wanted a new contract on raised terms since winning the World Cup during his first at the club, but talks have never properly progressed. The 28-year-old accused United of lacking ambition and took aim at the club’s director of football in two separate post-match interviews after Tuesday night’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid.
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Speaking to Prime Video first, Martinez said: “Really poor performance, really poor. I have to control myself a lot.
“But sometimes it is the reflection, the mirror, for our club at the moment. A fantastic season last season, but now we are far from the top. We have to bring in more players to compete. Look at Atletico, they had an amazing team, they deserved to win.
“I expect more, from everyone. More investment? Yes, 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director, I have to be honest.”
Martinez then continued: “As players, we have to do more, but it’s also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this sort of night.
Lisandro Martinez during Manchester United's defeat to Atletico Madrid
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“Last season we created a base to build an amazing team, but this is something to be honest. It’s annoying, to come here with my team and not trying to get an amazing result.”
He was then asked if United head coach Michael Carrick was sufficiently backed during the summer, to which he replied: “I don’t think so.
“He does his best, but every season is different. Teams know how you play, every detail. If you don’t change each season, it’s a big problem.
“Changing, changing, changing manager? What about other areas? I can’t say more. It’s easy to blame the coach, it’s easy to blame the players, but what about other areas?”
Martinez doubled down on the comments he made to Prime Video in another interview with CBS Sports, and the report from The Athletic claims that Martinez would have said the same if he had five years remaining on his deal and he isn't trying to force his way out of the club.
In a statement released on social media on Wednesday night, Martinez attempted to take the sting out of his outburst. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "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.
"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.
"When I talk about wanting more, I'm talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club.
"To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me."