Martinez reiterates 'anger and frustration' in follow-up to bombshell interview

Lisandro Martinez's post-match rant on Tuesday has split the Manchester United squad with players divided as the defender released a fresh statement admitting he spoke in "anger and frustration" - but doubling down on his desire for more.

In the aftermath of another loss for the Red Devils, who went down 2-0 at Atletico Madrid, their Argentine defender let rip at the hierarchy, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, regarding a lack of investment in the summer.

Martinez was keen to make the point that, whilst the players and manager Michael Carrick need to take some responsibility of the run of poor results, he feels they have not been suitably equipped to fight on all fronts after an impressive period of results last season.

United's return to Europe, coupled with the domestic competitions, was always going to place more onus on resources and Martinez said in a bombshell interview: "I expect more [investment]. 100%. 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. Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas."

Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.

To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:

1. Head THIS WAY

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

Martinez came out late on Wednesday night and put out some words on his social media account, explaining his comments and his reaction.

He admits he "spoke out in anger and frustration" but added: "When I talk about wanting more, I'm talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club. 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.

"I know that, first and foremost, it's us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility. We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.

"I believe in my teammates, 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."

The Sun reports that some players have appreciated Martinez's willingness to be so honest, with his comments ultimately him defending his manager, who is under mounting pressure.

Other teammates have been reluctant to side with the defender however. One senior player feels Martinez’s comments changed the coverage of United’s loss to Atletico with many feeling as if they played well despire the loss. Another believes the absence of certain teammates has affected the harmony in the squad.

It was well documented that United did miss out on a host of targets in the summer. Several of those, including the likes of Elliot Anderson, were players they chose not to pursue due to their sky high valuations.

Midfield was ultimately the only area that was strengthened with no forwards or defenders coming in, which already looks a poor move with Carrick having to work with a backline that has had no new arrivals for several summers.