Martinez outburst came out of 'anger and frustration'

What the report says

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has said he reacted out of “anger and frustration” when he publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy after Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid. In comments reported by BBC Sport Football, the Argentina international had argued that United should have done more to strengthen the squad after qualifying for the Champions League and said he expected more from technical director Jason Wilcox.

In a follow-up social media post, Martinez did not withdraw the substance of his remarks, but said his words were driven by the disappointment of the result. He stressed that he still believes in his team-mates, manager Michael Carrick and staff working to move the club forward. He also said the standards at Manchester United require ambition, commitment and a stronger push to compete for major honours.

The episode comes during a difficult period for United, who have not won in five matches since beating Sabah in the Champions League on 10 September. The club have won only two of nine games this season and sit 13th in the Premier League with six points from six matches. Martinez, whose contract runs to the end of the season with an option for a further year, said the players must take responsibility and work together to lift the team back to the top. United’s next match is away to Leeds United on Sunday, 18 October.