Youri Tielemans “showed his disgust” after Lisandro Martinez’s bombshell interview following Manchester United’s Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid
Manchester United star Youri Tielemans “showed his disgust” at Red Devils team-mate Lisandro Martinez after his bombshell interview. That’s the verdict of a body language expert, after the Argentine pulled no punches on Tuesday evening, slamming the lack of investment at Old Trafford.
Martinez said there had been a lack of investment over the summer, and it should be Jason Wilcox facing the music – not Michael Carrick and the players. However, his comments were not well received, with pundits voicing their displeasure.
“I would be surprised if Martinez is an isolated case. He may well be speaking out and saying things that have already been discussed inside the dressing room, with opinions shared by his team-mates,” body language expert Darren Stanton told OLBG.
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“The problem is the impact it could have on the newer members of the dressing room. Youri Tielemans was fascinating to watch in his own post-match interview.
“When Martinez’s comments were mentioned, we saw him immediately make a hand-to-mouth gesture and touch his nose. It happens for a fraction of a second.
“We saw all the classic indicators of stress, and he was experiencing cognitive overload as he became overwhelmed by the question, but we also saw him make a slight chin thrust, as if he was pushing back subconsciously, like a nanny goat bucking its head. We also see flashes of disgust at what he’s been told his team-mate has said.
“He looks like he’s found out a dirty secret has been leaked. Tielemans had some very ugly emotions written all over his face. Who knows what that could do to the relationships behind the scenes.”
Tielemans was one of the summer recruits as the Red Devils looked to rebuild their midfield during Carrick’s first summer at the helm, and speaking to the media later he admitted they need to stick together.
The Belgian said: “That’s how we’re going to get through it, you know. And the only thing that’s going to make us come back into it is to get a few wins. But we have to keep working, to keep trusting each other, and yeah, be together in this.”
Martinez has since clarified his comments with a statement on social media, but stopped short of an apology. He said: “Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel.
“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted. Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
“My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
“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 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.”