Lisandro Martinez apologises after crunch talks for calling out Manchester United’s hierarchy following Atletico Madrid defeat

Lisandro Martinez has apologised for his explosive outburst about Manchester United’s hierarchy after their 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.

A seething Martinez said that he ‘expected more’ in relation to United’s summer recruitment and questioning their lack of ambition shortly after losing in the Spanish capital.

The Argentine released a statement on Wednesday night explaining his reasons for his words, but failing to apologise, and on Thursday held crunch talks with head coach Michael Carrick and club chiefs about Tuesday’s post-match interview.

However, on Thursday evening, the centre back took to Instagram once again to release another statement – this time apologising for his actions and admitting his interview ‘did not help’ with keeping the club united but insisting he is ‘fully focused on winning together’.

Lisandro Martinez’s Manchester United apology

‘Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager,’ his statement began.

‘It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s game.

‘Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity.

‘The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the right ones, and for that I want to apologise.’

‘Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not help with that.

‘I know that every single person at Manchester United is doing everything possible to achieve our shared ambition: bringing the success that this club and its supporters deserve.

‘With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together.’

United are back in action on Sunday when they visit Elland Road to take on bitter rivals Leeds, but it remains to be seen if Martinez will be involved.

Speaking scathingly on Tuesday about the club’s hierarchy and director of football Jason Wilcox, the 28-year-old told Prime Sport: ‘I expect more, honestly. I expect more (investment).

‘Yeah, 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director.

‘We have to be honest and also as players we have to do more, but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.’

His words have since been condemned by United legends Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane and Gary Neville.

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