Lisandro Martinez's anger after Manchester United's defeat to Atletico Madrid was reportedly caused by Michael Carrick's decision to play Ayden Heaven at left-back, according to The Sun. The Argentine defender had criticised director of football Jason Wilcox following the 2-0 Champions League loss, saying United were left short of options.
Martinez also hinted the squad was not good enough to compete, though he later clarified in a statement that he "believes in his team-mates." That first public message contained no apology, with Martinez seemingly standing by his words.
Selection Decisions Under Scrutiny
Despite United spending roughly £150million to rebuild the midfield, there is some truth to his remarks that the squad has been left short. Benjamin Sesko's ongoing shin issue has seen players deployed out of position, while Joshua Zirkzee has received significant minutes despite being free to leave in the summer.
Asking Luke Shaw, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, to play twice a week is also considered highly ambitious. Martinez's anger stems from this situation, as he believes playing Heaven at left-back away to Atletico shows how ill-equipped the squad is. The report clarifies Martinez was not criticising Heaven but the board for failing to sign a new left-back. Lewis Hall was the club's top target, but Newcastle United had no plans to sell, and neither Joaquin Seys nor Barcelona's Alejandro Balde joined.
Team Dinner Cancelled
United could certainly use a left-back now, particularly as Shaw could miss a few weeks with injury. He will definitely be absent for this weekend's Premier League clash against Leeds United, with full focus on the trip to Elland Road, which resulted in a team dinner being cancelled.
According to The Sun, United's players were due to head out for a meal on Thursday evening, but those plans were axed after the dismal defeat in the Spanish capital. Martinez's controversial comments may have also played a role in that decision.
Martinez Issues New Statement
Martinez has since released another statement on Instagram, saying: "Today I met with the club's leadership and the manager. 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."
