Martinez stands by Wilcox criticism in follow-up statement after Atletico defeat

Lisandro Martinez has doubled down on his public criticism of Manchester United’s leadership, releasing a follow-up statement on Wednesday night after his post-match comments following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid divided opinion within the squad.

The Argentine defender had singled out director of football Jason Wilcox in a pointed interview after the loss, questioning the club’s summer investment and arguing that players had not been adequately equipped to compete across all fronts. “I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director,” Martinez said. “Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas.”

In his subsequent statement, Martinez acknowledged the tone of his original remarks. “I spoke out in anger and frustration,” he wrote on social media, but he was careful not to retract the substance of his message. “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 also placed himself at the front of the accountability he was demanding. “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.”

He closed with a show of support for manager Michael Carrick, who faces mounting pressure amid a difficult run of results. “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.”

The reaction inside the dressing room has been mixed, according to reports. Some players have welcomed Martinez’s candour, viewing his comments as a defence of Carrick rather than an attack on him. Others have been less comfortable with the fallout, with one senior figure reportedly feeling that the interview shifted the narrative away from a performance that, despite the scoreline, the group felt was creditable. A separate concern has been raised that the absence of key players has already disrupted squad harmony before Martinez’s comments added further tension.