Lisandro Martinez says attack on Man Utd board shows how he 'feels' as he wants success

Lisandro Martinez says his attack on Jason Wilcox and the board showed how he "feels" about Manchester United having success.

He has sought to clarify his criticism following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, insisting his comments were driven by anger and frustration while stopping short of issuing an apology.

The Argentina international questioned the club’s investment in the squad after United’s 2-0 loss in Madrid, publicly demanding more from sporting director Wilcox and arguing that the team needed greater strength in depth to compete at the highest level.

Martinez acknowledged that his remarks came in the heat of the moment, but maintained that his underlying message was about the ambition and standards he believes Manchester United must uphold.

He wrote on Instagram on Wednesday night: “Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel.

“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.”

He continued: “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.”

Martinez was clear that the squad must deliver better performances, accepting his own share of responsibility as United attempt to recover from a difficult run of results.

“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.”

He also moved to reaffirm his support for the people working alongside him at Old Trafford, naming his team-mates, manager and wider club staff as part of the collective effort needed to improve the situation.

“I believe in my team-mates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward. I'm convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment,” he said.

Martinez ended his statement by reiterating his personal commitment to United and his determination to help the club compete for major honours.

“My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge,” he said.