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Manchester United players have reportedly been barred from granting interviews to journalists following their 1-1 draw against Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The development came after no member of the United squad answered questions from reporters in the mixed zone at Elland Road following the encounter.
According to reports, midfielder Bruno Fernandes and forward Matheus Cunha were approached by journalists for post-match interviews but indicated that they were not permitted to speak to the media.
The reported restriction comes amid growing scrutiny of the club following recent performances and public criticism of its football management.
Martinez interview sparks controversy
The reported media ban follows an explosive television interview by United defender Lisandro Martinez after the club’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
During the interview, Martinez reportedly criticised the club’s hierarchy over its summer transfer business, including director of football Jason Wilcox.
His comments brought renewed attention to questions surrounding United’s recruitment strategy and the relationship between the playing squad and the club’s management.
Although the club’s reported decision to restrict interviews came after the Leeds fixture, it remains unclear whether the move was directly linked to Martinez’s remarks.
United face questions over media policy
The absence of players from the mixed zone after Sunday’s match has raised questions about the club’s approach to media engagement following a difficult period.
Post-match interviews provide players with an opportunity to discuss performances, tactical decisions and developments within their teams. A restriction on such appearances can also limit their ability to respond publicly to criticism.
However, no official explanation for the reported restriction was provided in the information available.
United’s 1-1 draw against Leeds means attention will remain on both the team’s performances on the pitch and developments surrounding the club off it.
The club has yet to publicly clarify the circumstances behind the reported instruction preventing players from speaking to journalists.
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