Martinez releases statement to clarify outburst - but does not apologise

Key points

• Lisandro Martinez released a statement clarifying his post-match outburst after Manchester United's 2-0 Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid but did not apologise.
• Sky Sports News reports real doubts about whether Martinez's contract will be extended when it expires in the summer.
• United's bosses have yet to decide whether to discipline Martinez, and there is anger and bemusement at his comments in both the boardroom and the changing room.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has clarified his outburst after Tuesday's Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid in a statement, but stopped short of an apology. In his post-match interview in Madrid, the Argentina international criticised the club's hierarchy over summer investment, said he expected more from "upstairs" and singled out technical director Jason Wilcox.

Martinez released a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night, saying he spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result the team wanted. He said his words reflect how much he wants to see the club competing for the biggest honours, and that the players must deliver first, starting with himself.

Doubts over his future

Sky Sports News' Football Correspondent Rob Dorsett reports there are real doubts about whether Martinez's contract will be extended when it expires in the summer. United will focus on revamping their defence in the next transfer windows and hold the formal option to prolong his stay for a further year. Sky Sports News has also been told United are looking at new centre-backs, as well as left-backs.

After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted.

— Lisandro Martinez

Reaction inside the club

United's bosses have yet to decide whether to discipline Martinez for his comments, in which he said he expects more from the technical director and from the top. Sky Sports News has been told there is anger and bemusement at what he said, both in the boardroom and the changing room, with at least one other player challenging him as the squad boarded the plane back to Manchester. It is understood there is no internal pressure on Wilcox's position.

Martinez has been keen on a move away from Old Trafford for some time. In the summer he pushed for a move to Atletico Madrid, to follow his friend and international team-mate Cristian Romero, but no suitable bid came in. The 28-year-old made similar comments about his bosses at Ajax in 2022, calling sporting director Gerry Hamstra a "nobody". He remains a key part of Michael Carrick's squad.