Lisandro Martinez has issued a fresh apology after Manchester United reportedly fined him for speaking out against the club’s hierarchy in a bombshell interview this week.
He said United’s performance against Atletico was “really poor” and the product of a summer spend which did not match the squad’s expectations.
His words triggered unrest in the United dressing room, and he was reportedly confronted by at least one team-mate.
He clarified his words in a statement on Wednesday, but has now issued a further apology after holding clear-the-air talks with Michael Carrick and club executives Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada.
Standard Sport understands that meeting was held on Thursday afternoon, after which Martinez made the independent decision to issue a public apology for his outburst. Imposed sanctions will remain behind closed doors.
Pride swallowed: Lisandro Martinez
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It is also understood that Martinez and club officials are prepared to leave this episode in the past, and it is considered by all parties to be water under the bridge.
Martinez wrote on Thursday: “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 the game.
“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.”
There had been much speculation as to whether he would be sanctioned by the club, and reports from BBC Sport today suggest he has indeed been handed a fine.