By Manchester United have fined defender Lisandro Martinez after the Argentina international issued a public apology for his angry outburst criticising the club’s hierarchy. The 28-year-old admitted his frustration got the better of him following United’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Lisandro Martinez (Credits: BBC Sport)
The Outburst That Started It All
After United’s loss to Atletico, Martinez publicly claimed the club had left head coach Michael Carrick with an under-equipped squad, saying he expected more investment and “more from our technical director” Jason Wilcox. The comments sent shockwaves through Old Trafford, with pundits lining up to react — former United captain Roy Keane described the situation at his old club as “a bit of a circus” on The Overlap podcast.
The centre-back later said he “spoke out of anger and frustration,” insisting he still had “belief in my team-mates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward.”
Apology Accepted — But Fined
Following talks with United’s leadership on Thursday, Martinez released a statement on social media. “Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager,” he wrote. “It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s 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.”
Despite the apology, the club has formally punished him with a fine. “Our club is at its best when we are all united,” Martinez added, “and I recognise that my words in that moment did not help with that.”
What Next for Martinez?
While the matter is now considered closed internally, there is understood to be significant doubt over the defender’s long-term future at Old Trafford. His current contract expires at the end of the season, with the club holding an option to extend it by 12 months — a decision they have yet to make.
Carrick will hold a news conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United, and it remains to be seen whether Martinez is selected. United sit 13th in the Premier League with just six points from six games, having won only two of their last nine matches.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
