The controversy continues to gain momentum at Manchester United. Two days after the defeat of the Red Devils on the pitch of Atlético de Madrid (2-0) in the Champions League, Lisandro Martínez caused a real earthquake by openly criticizing his management, and in particular the football director Jason Wilcox, for the lack of investment in the transfer market. An outing which was obviously not appreciated internally and which pushed the Argentine defender to speak again. In a long press release published Wednesday evening on Instagramthe 28-year-old wanted to clarify his comments, without apologizing. “ After the match I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted. My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club fight for the biggest titles “, he explained. Before specifying: “ When I say I want more, I’m talking about the ambition we all have to have at this club. These are demands that we must all impose on ourselves, starting with me. » The Argentina international also acknowledged the players’ responsibility for the poor results, while reaffirming his confidence in his teammates and Michael Carrick.
But this attempt at appeasement may not be enough to calm tensions. According to Sky SportsMartínez’s statements provoked anger and incomprehension both among the leaders and in the Mancunian locker room. A player even directly challenged the Argentinian on the plane home, some of his teammates having taken badly to his criticism of the quality of the squad. Management has not yet decided whether a disciplinary sanction will be imposed, but the defender’s future at Old Trafford now appears uncertain. His contract expires next summer and, while Manchester United have an option to extend it for another season, no decision has yet been made. Especially since the Red Devils plan to recruit new central defenders and left-backs during the next transfer window. Still according to the British media, Martínez already wanted to leave the club this summer to join Atlético de Madrid and reunite with his compatriot Cristian Romero, but no satisfactory offer had reached the English leaders. A situation which could now weigh heavily in discussions concerning its future.
