Martinez clarifies criticism of Man Utd hierarchy, outlines need for unity

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Lisandro Martinez has moved to clarify his recent criticism of Manchester United’s hierarchy, saying he believes in everyone at the club and that unity will be key if they are to turn their season around.

Following Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, which extended United’s winless run to five games in all competitions, Martinez gave an explosive post-match interview to Amazon Prime.

The Argentina centre-back suggested there had not been sufficient investment in the playing squad ahead of the season, singling out director of football Jason Wilcox and saying, “We expect more from the top.”

Reports subsequently suggested Martinez’s contract may not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season, while head coach Michael Carrick opted against responding to the defender’s comments. 

But Martinez has now taken to Instagram to clarify his words, saying the responsibility for United’s poor results starts with the playing squad.

“When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club,” Martinez wrote. 

“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 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.

“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.”

Michael gives his assessment of Tuesday’s game 

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 13, 2026

Having only beaten Ipswich Town and Sabah in nine matches across all competitions this season, the Red Devils visit Elland Road to face old rivals Leeds United on Sunday.

It will be the teams’ first Premier League meeting with Leeds above Man Utd in the table (excluding matchday one) since September 2002, when the Whites earned a 1-0 win at Elland Road. 

A win for Leeds put them six points clear of their rivals in the table as late as the seventh matchday of a Premier League campaign for just the second time – they were seven points ahead in December 2001 after playing 15 games.

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