Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez apologized on Thursday for criticizing the club’s hierarchy following their Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid. This came after discussions with manager Michael Carrick and senior officials.
Martinez met Carrick and club executives after training, two days after stating that the club needed greater investment to compete at the highest level following Tuesday’s 2-0 loss.
“Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager,” Martinez said in an Instagram post, marking his second statement since the interview. “It was a very positive conversation where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s game.”
A club source indicated that any internal disciplinary action would remain private, noting that it was Martinez’s decision to apologize publicly and that all parties considered the matter closed. British media, including the BBC, reported that United fined the defender over the outburst.
Martinez acknowledged that his frustration following the defeat had led him to express his feelings at an inappropriate time. “Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity,” he stated. “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 apologize.”
The Argentina international had specifically mentioned director of football Jason Wilcox in the post-game interview, stating that United needed more signings to compete with their rivals and build a squad capable of challenging in Europe.
Martinez emphasized that his comments did not reflect the unity required at Old Trafford and reiterated his belief that everyone at the club was working towards the same goal. “Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognize that my words in that moment did not help with that,” he said. “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.”
Martinez concluded his statement by indicating that the situation was now resolved. “With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together.”
Currently, United is in 13th place in the Premier League after six games, marking their worst start in 40 years. They are set to face seventh-placed Leeds United on Sunday.