Manchester United have fined defender Lisandro Martínez and consider the matter closed after the Argentina international publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.
Martínez, 28, spoke out in post-match interviews, claiming the club had failed to adequately strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window and left head coach Michael Carrick short of resources.
He specifically said he “expected more from our technical director” Jason Wilcox and suggested the board needed to look beyond players and the manager when assessing the team’s struggles.
As reported by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, his post read, “Manchester United have fined Lisandro Martínez as punishment and consider the case now closed.
“Lisandro spoke to Carrick and the directors to clarify the situation, apologize then now moving on.”
PUNCH Online had reported that Martínez held clear-the-air talks at the club’s Carrington training ground with Carrick, director of football Jason Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and other senior figures. Sources described the meeting as positive.
Afterwards, Martínez issued a public apology on social media. “Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager. It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s game,” he wrote.
“Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity. The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the right ones, and for that I want to apologise.
“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. I know that every single person at Manchester United is doing everything possible to achieve our shared ambition: bringing the success that this club and its supporters deserve. With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together.”
United have imposed a fine as formal punishment, according to multiple reports, though the club has not confirmed the exact amount.
Martínez’s current contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, with United holding an option to extend it by a further year.
While the immediate disciplinary issue has been resolved, questions remain over his longer-term future at Old Trafford.