Manchester United have fined Lisandro Martínez over his sharp criticisms directed at the club’s management, before considering the matter closed following an apology from the Argentine defender and an internal meeting to clarify his position.
The crisis erupted after the 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, when Martínez criticized the club’s recruitment policy and asserted that manager Michael Carrick had not received sufficient support to build a squad capable of competing with the elite.
The Argentine defender stated that he had expected “greater investment” from the board, singling out Sporting Director Jason Wilcox for criticism, while refusing to hold Carrick responsible and calling on decision-makers to look at other departments within the club instead of changing the manager once again.
Following training, Martínez met with Carrick, Chief Executive Omar Berrada, and Wilcox, with all parties discussing the aftermath of the Atlético match and the reasons that drove him to vent his frustration to the media.
In a subsequent statement, the player explained that the meeting was positive, noting that the frustration of defeat had led him to express his feelings at an inappropriate time and venue, while conceding that his words did not help the squad remain united.
The apology came on Martínez’s own initiative, whereas United chose not to disclose the amount of the fine or the details of the disciplinary action, adhering to club policy regarding internal sanctions. All parties agreed to move past the incident.
United had spent £155 million in the summer on Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba—all midfielders—despite Wilcox’s desire to sign a left-back. Reports suggest that several players understand aspects of Martínez’s criticisms.
The impact of the comments was magnified by the team’s sluggish start to the campaign, having gathered just six points from their opening six league matches—their worst start since 1986—alongside an early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Brighton. Consequently, the club sought to resolve the crisis swiftly and refocus attention on pitch results.
