Lisandro Martinez has returned to Man United’s training ground for the first time since his explosive rant at the club’s transfer policy.
Martinez gave a bombshell TV interview shortly after United’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, where he accused the Old Trafford board and director of football Jason Wilcox of failing in the transfer market last summer. Other senior players are understood to share his views.
United’s players had Wednesday off after flying straight back from Spain following the game, but reported for duty earlier today.
And Martinez was seen arriving at the club’s Carrington base at around 9.50am in the back of a Toyota Ayoga. The Argentine was one of the last first-team players to turn up.
That was almost an hour after the under-fire Wilcox rocked up at 9am, and over two hours after Carrick’s 7.25am arrival.
Daily Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that Martinez would face the music on Thursday in the wake of his blistering criticism of club bosses.
Lisandro Martinez (in the backseat of the car) was one of the last players to arrive at Man United training on Thursday morning
Michael Carrick arrived at 7:25am as his squad returned for the first time since Martinez’s explosive rant at the club’s hierarchy after their Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid
Director of football Jason Wilcox, who was heavily criticised by Martinez, arrived at 9am
United were planning to decide what action – if any – to take against the Argentina international after spending Wednesday considering his outspoken comments and how they should respond, although it’s understood that they are backing Wilcox.
It’s believed Martinez’s frustrations are a result of conversations with club executives over recent times and promises not being met.
Before last season, Martinez was told the club would rebuild and that he was fundamental to their plans, with the defender again informed at the end of the campaign that they were going to kick on.
Clubs in Spain were interested in Martinez in the summer but he wanted to stay and be part of Carrick’s renaissance, yet his disappointment has developed after the aforementioned pledges weren’t borne out in the calibre or quantity of recruitment.
Midfielders Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba and back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow were the only summer additions, and Carrick’s side look short in defence and in attack.
Martinez is a member of United’s leadership group and there was a belief within the squad that they could challenge for titles with a bigger group, but many now feel they are undercooked in terms of depth.
One position where United have been keen to strengthen is at centre back, potentially even in January, but one must leave for that to happen.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is admired, and while the club would rather not lose Martinez, his injury record and ability to attract a decent offer could make that option more acceptable following his comments.
United are also hoping to bring in a left-back after failing to do so in the summer when Lewis Hall signed a deal at Newcastle. Bournemouth and France star Adrien Truffert is a name on their radar.
Meanwhile, back in January, head coach Ruben Amorim was sacked after publicly criticising Wilcox but it’s highly improbable the club would take such a drastic approach with Martinez. A fine or warning reminding him of his responsibilities seems more likely.
Teammate Amad Diallo could also face questions on Thursday after he added more fuel to the fire with a message on social media after the Atletico game which read ‘f***ing disgrace, I have no words’, although it’s unclear what the Ivorian was referring to.
United are likely to need Martinez at Leeds with a number of injuries in defence. Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have been out of action, and Matthijs De Ligt only returned on the bench as an unused substitute in Madrid after nearly a year out with a back injury.
Martinez’s long-term future is more uncertain, however. He is out of contract at the end of June, although United can extend it by another year.
They are unlikely to let a 28-year-old World Cup winner leave as a free agent after his £57million move from Ajax in 2022, but could trigger the extension so they can demand a transfer fee for him.
Martinez took aim at the United hierarchy in the wake of a fourth defeat in nine games in Madrid when he was asked if the club have backed Michael Carrick enough. ‘I don’t think so,’ he said. ‘He does his best. You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager.
‘What about other areas? Tonight it is easy to say the coach and easy to say the players, but also we have to see other areas.
‘I expect more (investment) 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest, 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.
‘I have to control myself a lot but sometimes is a reflection of the mirror of how is our club at the moment.’
Martinez made the explosive comments in a TV interview shortly after the game ended in Spain
On Wednesday evening, Martinez then attempted to dilute his comments by explaining – but crucially not apologising – what he meant.
‘When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club,’ Martinez said, in part of his statement.
‘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.’
He added: ‘We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top. I believe in my team-mates, 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.’
