Martinez Won't Apologise as Man Utd Weigh His Future — SkimNews
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- Lisandro Martinez released a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night clarifying comments made after United's 2-0 Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid, but declined to apologize
- Martinez had singled out technical director Jason Wilcox, saying he expected more from "upstairs" and criticizing the club's lack of summer investment in the squad
- In the statement, Martinez said he spoke "out of anger and frustration" but stressed that "first and foremost, it's us, the players, who have to deliver"
- There is "anger and bemusement" within the Manchester United boardroom and changing room, with at least one teammate challenging Martinez's comments on the flight back from Madrid
- Martinez's contract expires next summer and there are real doubts about an extension, with United planning to revamp their defence by targeting new centre-backs and left-backs
- Martinez had pushed for a summer move to Atletico Madrid — the side that beat them on Tuesday — to follow his friend and Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero, but no suitable bid was received
- This mirrors similar Martinez behavior in 2022 at Ajax, when he called sporting director Gerry Hamstra "a nobody" while also pushing for a move away
Why it matters: Martinez's public broadside against technical director Jason Wilcox has fractured relationships inside the Manchester United dressing room, with teammates reportedly confronting him mid-flight. With his contract expiring next summer and a transfer exit already sought this past window, the episode accelerates United's defensive rebuild and puts his Old Trafford future in serious jeopardy.
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