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Manchester United are considering disciplinary action against defender Lisandro Martínez following his public criticism of the club’s hierarchy after their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.
The Argentine international reportedly faces a possible fine after expressing frustration over the club’s recruitment strategy during the summer transfer window and questioning the leadership of technical director Jason Wilcox.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the defeat, Martínez said Manchester United needed to strengthen their squad to compete effectively with rival clubs, adding that the responsibility for the team’s struggles should not rest solely on the manager and players.
“We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well,” Martínez said.
“I expect more [investment]. 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director. Tonight it is easy to blame the coach, easy to say the players, but also we have to see other areas. You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas?” he added.
Martínez later reinforced his position in a second interview, insisting that he would not remain silent about his concerns and stressing the need for greater ambition at the club.
United consider disciplinary action
According to a report by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell on Wednesday, Manchester United consider a fine for Martínez increasingly likely following his comments about the club’s leadership and transfer policy.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also reported on X that the defender was not the only player within the squad who shared concerns about the club’s direction.
“Lisandro Martínez, not the only player at Manchester United with that view of the situation at club level. Man United assessing possible sanction/fine for Licha, as reports,” Romano wrote.
The situation has drawn attention to the apparent concerns among some Manchester United players about the club’s recruitment decisions and the direction of its football operations.
Martínez’s remarks also highlighted the debate over responsibility for the team’s performances, with the defender arguing that decisions made by senior club officials should come under scrutiny alongside the work of the manager and players.
Contract situation raises questions
Martínez’s future at Old Trafford could also become a subject of discussion as the club considers its response to the controversy.
The defender’s current contract runs until June 2027, although Manchester United have an option to extend the agreement by another year, until 2028.
According to the report, the possibility of Martínez signing a longer-term contract is now considered remote.
The club’s handling of the situation could therefore have implications for its relationship with the Argentine defender, particularly as questions continue over recruitment and the team’s long-term direction.
United prepare for Leeds clash
Manchester United will turn their attention to their next Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Sunday.
The match presents an opportunity for the team to respond on the pitch following the defeat to Atlético Madrid, while the uncertainty surrounding Martínez’s comments adds another issue for the club to manage.
Neither a final disciplinary decision nor further details of any proposed fine were provided in the reports cited.
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