Lisandro Martinez Apologises and Is Fined by Manchester United Over Squad Outburst
Martinez Says Sorry After Criticising United Hierarchy
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has issued an apology following his controversial remarks criticising the club's hierarchy, and has been formally punished with a fine for the outburst.
After United's Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, the Argentina international said that the club had left head coach Michael Carrick with an under-equipped squad. Following talks with the club on Thursday, Martinez released a statement saying simply: "I want to apologise."
It is also understood that Martinez has been formally punished for his outburst, with United imposing a fine on the 28-year-old centre-back.
Fallout From the Madrid Defeat
Martinez's comments had turned a bruising European night into an unusually public airing of frustrations behind the scenes. In post-match interviews on Tuesday, the defender pointed blame beyond the pitch, arguing that responsibility for the club's troubles should not fall solely on the manager and players, and calling for greater investment while criticising the club's technical director and transfer approach.
The remarks drew wider attention to United's direction under Carrick, with pundits weighing in on the topic under the theme that "players have a different responsibility" when speaking publicly about their club.
Earlier this week, in a report dated 15 October, former United captain Roy Keane branded the club a "circus" in the wake of Martinez's attack on the hierarchy. At that time United had not publicly responded to Martinez's remarks, and it was reported that he could face possible internal sanctions and an uncertain future — although no action was confirmed until this week's developments.
Carrick to Face Media Ahead of Leeds Trip
Carrick will hold a news conference on Friday, prior to the game against Leeds United on Sunday. He takes his side to Elland Road on the back of just two wins from nine games this season, with United placed 13th in the Premier League on six points from as many games.
For a player of Martinez's standing, the disciplinary episode adds to a delicate period. He is out of contract at the end of the season, though there is an option to extend his deal by another year. Across the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, a player snapshot recorded before this week's events listed Martinez with five appearances, no goals and no assists for United.
United will hope the matter is now closed as they turn their attention to Sunday's fixture, with Carrick expected to address both the disciplinary issue and his squad's difficult start to the season when he meets reporters.