Lisandro Martinez has apologised to Manchester United after publicly criticising the club’s leadership following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, with reports indicating that the defender has also been fined.
The Argentina international met head coach Michael Carrick and senior club officials on Thursday to discuss his comments after Tuesday’s 2-0 loss in Madrid. He later described the meeting as positive and said he regretted the timing and setting of his remarks.
Martinez had questioned United’s summer recruitment and called for greater investment in the squad, specifically saying he expected more from technical director Jason Wilcox. He subsequently acknowledged that his comments had been driven by anger and frustration.
In his latest statement, the 28-year-old said his words had undermined the unity needed at the club. He stressed that everyone at United was working towards the same ambition and declared the matter behind them as the team turned its attention to upcoming matches.
The reported fine has not been accompanied by a detailed public explanation of the club’s disciplinary process. United are understood to consider the matter closed following the meeting.
Former United captain Roy Keane also criticised the episode, describing the situation as “a bit of a circus” on The Overlap podcast.
Carrick was due to address the media on Friday ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United. Whether Martinez will feature remains unclear, with the manager yet to confirm his selection plans.
United head to Elland Road after winning only two of their first nine matches across competitions. They sit 13th in the Premier League, with six points from six league games, increasing the pressure on Carrick and the squad to improve their results.
The controversy has also raised questions about Martinez’s longer-term future at Old Trafford. His contract is due to expire next summer, although United reportedly have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
The club has yet to confirm whether it will activate that clause. With uncertainty over his future and tensions exposed by his public criticism, the coming months could prove significant for the defender’s United career.
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