Manchester United have fined defender Lisandro Martínez after he publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.
The club has reportedly considered the matter closed after taking disciplinary action against the Argentina international.
Martínez, 28, made the comments during post-match interviews, expressing dissatisfaction with the club’s recruitment during the summer transfer window.
He said the club had not done enough to strengthen the squad, leaving head coach Michael Carrick with limited options.
The defender specifically said he “expected more from our technical director,” Jason Wilcox, while suggesting that the club’s leadership should also be held accountable for 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.”
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.
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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.
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