Lisandro Martinez has doubled down on his frustrations towards Manchester United sporting director Jason Wilcox.
The Red Devils defender took an almighty swipe at Wilcox for a lack of squad strengthening following the 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
talkSPORT understands Martinez is not the only United star frustrated with the perceived lack of ambition at board level.
He has since explained his actions in a lengthy social media post, insisting the club must maintain ‘high standards’ and remain ambitious.
What did Lisandro Martinez say in his statement?
“Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel,” Martinez wrote.
“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 hurts, especially 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 honours. 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.”
Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy
This summer presented a prime opportunity for United to strengthen the squad having secured Champions League qualification for the 2026/27 campaign.
But rather than improve across a number of areas, the Red Devils heavily invested in the midfield.
United spent all of their summer transfer budget on Carlos Baleba (£70million), Andrey Santos (£50m) and Youri Tielemans (£35m).
The previous summer, more than £200m was spent on forwards Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
However, the first choice backline has remained relatively untouched since 2022.
Manchester United’s on-field woes
Martinez’s frustrations with United’s transfer dealings this summer have been exarcebated by a horror start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
A 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Saturday, in which the Red Devils conceded in the 92nd minute, ensured United had their worst start to a league season in 40 years.
Michael Carrick’s side have also been eliminated from the EFL Cup, blowing a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton in the third round.
United will look to shake off the midweek chaos when they return to Premier League action on Sunday against rivals Leeds.
