‘Anger and frustration’ – Lisandro Martinez refuses to apologise as he speaks out on attack that left Man Utd in turmoil

LISANDRO MARTINEZ has released a huge statement on his bombshell attack on the Manchester United board – but refused to say sorry. The defender lashed out at the club’s summer transfer business following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening. Martinez, 28, insisted that he expected more business from the United directors following the positive end to the 2025/26 season. The Argentine has now released a follow-up statement on social media. Martinez insisted that he was speaking from a “frustrated” position following the loss to Atletico. He wrote: “Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL “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 hurt specially 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 honour. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “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. “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. “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.” There has been a mixed reaction to Martinez’s harsh comments in the public. It has been claimed that one member of the squad took umbrage with the defender’s interview during the flight back to Manchester. Sky Sports claimed one of his team-mates challenged him on his viral post-match rant on the flight back from Madrid. Sky also claim that several of the former Ajax defender’s team-mates are “not happy” with his antics, while there is a suggestion that his comments were made to take the pressure off under-fire boss Michael Carrick. Summer signing Youri Tielemans was asked about Martinez’s rant after the defeat. The Belgian simply replied: “No comment.” United legend Wayne Rooney was less than impressed with Martinez’s outburst as he spoke on Amazon Prime. He said : “Something like that will rip that dressing room apart. I disagree. I thought that the performance was OK. I thought it was better, so there were some positive signs. “It’s a difficult one because I always used to feel that I was outspoken as a player and you want to have your opinion. “He’s maybe gone a bit too far, and that should have stayed internal. “The fans want to hear the players speak, they want to hear the players care so you can clearly see that he cares and he wants the club to invest more money in more players. “i don’t think he has connected with the fans since he got here because he’s been injured a lot. I actually like him, he’s a good player, but the money the club paid for him hasn’t been given back, that’s not being disrespectful, it’s injuries. “And to do that he’s probably one of the players who’ll be out the door if I’m being honest. “His performances haven’t been good enough, but I think in some ways he’s right in terms of the club needing to invest more at the top end of the pitch and the defence. “But I think it looks like it was a bit of an agenda and he wanted to say that because it doesn’t reflect the performance I thought the performance was better.” Martinez’s rant has well and truly cast doubt over his long-term future at Old Trafford. His contract at the Theatre of Dreams will expire at the end of the season. United, who have won just TWO GAMES in all competitions this campaign, have the option to tack a further year on. Despite Martinez’s comments, United are expected to keep the faith with director of football Jason Wilcox.