Manchester United are assessing a possible fine for defender Lisandro Martínez after he publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, the Argentina international expressed frustration at the lack of squad strengthening in the summer transfer window and singled out technical director Jason Wilcox.
“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%. 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 later reinforced his comments in a second interview, stating he would not “close my mouth” and that the club needed greater ambition.
According to reports from The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell on Wednesday, the club describe a fine as “inevitable, saying that Martínez is not the only player in the dressing room who shares concerns about United’s summer recruitment and overall direction.
As reported by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, “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. Out of contract in June 2027 but club option until 2028.”
Martínez’s contract runs until June 2027, with the club holding an option to extend it by one year until 2028. The likelihood of him signing a longer-term deal is now considered remote.
United face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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