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Lisandro Martínez has moved to walk back his fiery remarks made immediately after Manchester United's Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid, stating he believes the path forward is to "keep working together, with ambition and commitment."
In a pair of post-match interviews, Martínez expressed frustration over what he viewed as inadequate signings during the summer transfer window to build upon a strong finish to the 2025–26 season that secured a return to the Champions League.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox appeared to bear the brunt of his criticism, though his remarks could also have been interpreted as throwing his current teammates under the bus.
While not a full retraction, Martínez posted a written statement via Instagram story, explaining that his initial words stemmed from "anger and frustration" following a deflating result.
"Those who know me understand how I experience football — with passion, commitment and an intense desire to win. When things don't go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United," he said.
"My words reflect how I feel and how desperately I want to see this club competing for the biggest trophies. Those high standards are part of how I view football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt."
Martinez Takes Responsibility for Poor Results
The 2022 World Cup winner said "wanting more" is 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."
Wayne Rooney weighed in following the Prime Video interview, saying it was perfectly acceptable for ambitious players to demand more from their club and teammates — he himself famously did so in 2010 in a move that nearly triggered his exit — but he took issue with those demands coming publicly from someone like Martínez, who has struggled with his own form.
Martínez addressed the criticism surrounding his performances and questions about the team's sharp decline; the same club that accumulated more points than any other side in the final 17 Premier League matches of last season has managed just two wins from nine games across all competitions to open this campaign.
"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.
"I believe in my teammates, 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. 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."
Can Martinez Survive at Man Utd—Does He Even Want to?
Questions have been raised over Martínez's long-term future at Old Trafford. His contract expires next summer but contains an option for an additional 12 months through 2028. The Athletic reports the defender has no desire to extend beyond this season and would still prefer a move to Spain, following an unfulfilled wish to join Atlético Madrid last summer. United reportedly share similar reservations.
However, those close to the player insist this week's comments were not a calculated attempt to force an exit, with the same report noting that people in his inner circle claim he would have made identical remarks regardless of how much time remained on his deal.
It is suggested that Martínez is not alone in his frustration, yet the outburst was met with "surprise" and at least one teammate confronted him directly over it.
No formal disciplinary decision has been reached yet, though a fine is widely anticipated. Michael Carrick faces a difficult call over whether to include him for the weekend fixture against Leeds United, given the already depleted state of the backline.
The Athletic suggests that "none of" Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada or co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will "allow Martínez's comments to go unchecked."