Share!
Manchester United have fined defender Lisandro Martínez for publicly criticising the club’s leadership following their 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, with the club considering the matter resolved.
The Argentina international reportedly received the disciplinary sanction after questioning the club’s summer recruitment strategy and the level of support provided to head coach Michael Carrick.
Martínez had expressed frustration over United’s failure to strengthen the squad sufficiently, insisting that the club needed to invest more in players to compete with Europe’s leading teams.
The 28-year-old specifically criticised the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, saying he expected more from the leadership and warning against repeatedly blaming managers and players for the team’s struggles.
His remarks followed United’s disappointing defeat in Madrid, which intensified concerns about the club’s poor start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Following the controversy, Martínez held talks with Carrick, Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and other senior club officials at the club’s Carrington training ground.
The meeting was described as positive, with the defender subsequently issuing a public apology for the timing and manner of his comments.
In a statement shared on social media, Martínez acknowledged that his frustration had led him to speak out at an inappropriate time and place.
He also stressed the importance of unity within the club, admitting that his remarks had not helped the team’s collective ambitions.
“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,” he said.
The defender added that he recognised the efforts being made by everyone at Manchester United to restore the club to success, declaring that the team was now focused on moving forward together.
According to reports attributed to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United have imposed the fine and consider the case closed. The club has not publicly disclosed the amount of the sanction.
Despite the resolution, questions remain about Martínez’s long-term future at Old Trafford. His current contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, although the club reportedly holds an option to extend it by another year.
Manchester United are expected to turn their attention to their upcoming Premier League fixture against Leeds United as they seek to improve their performances and restore confidence within the squad.
The incident has also reignited debate over United’s recruitment strategy, squad depth and the responsibility of the club’s leadership for its recent struggles.
