Man United’s Martinez takes to social media to defend his criticism of club

Manchester United defender Lisandro ‌Martinez has defended his criticism of the club’s leadership following ⁠Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions ⁠League defeat against Atletico Madrid, saying his comments reflected his desire to see the team compete for major honours.

The Argentina international ⁠acknowledged on Wednesday that frustration had shaped his post-match remarks , in which he called for greater investment in the squad and questioned director of football Jason Wilcox’s ⁠recruitment efforts, but stopped short of apologising.

“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted,” Martinez wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

Martinez reiterated that the players also had to take responsibility for improving ⁠the team’s performances.

“I know that, first and foremost, it’s ⁠us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility,” he said. “We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take ⁠Manchester United back to the top.”

The defeat extended United’s winless run to five matches in all competitions, adding ⁠to the scrutiny surrounding head coach Michael Carrick ⁠as the club adjusts to life back in the Champions League after two seasons away.