Manchester United fine defender Lisandro Martínez, resolve matter after hierarchy criticism

Manchester United have fined defender Lisandro Martínez and regard the issue as resolved after the Argentina international publicly criticised the club’s leadership in the wake of Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.

The 28-year-old said in post-match interviews that United had not done enough to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window and had left head coach Michael Carrick with insufficient resources.

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He also stated that he expected more from technical director Jason Wilcox and argued that the board should look beyond the players and manager when evaluating the team’s problems.

Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano said Friday on X that United had punished Martínez with a fine and now considered the case closed. According to Romano, Martínez spoke with Carrick and club directors to clarify the situation, apologised, and is now moving on.

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Martínez held clear-the-air discussions at United’s Carrington training ground with Carrick, Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and other senior club figures. Sources described the meeting as positive.

After the talks, Martínez apologised publicly on social media. He said the meeting with club leaders and the manager was constructive and allowed both sides to speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s match.

He acknowledged that his frustration over the defeat led him to express his feelings at the wrong time and place, and said he was sorry for comments that did not help the club’s unity. He added that everyone at United is working toward the same goal of bringing success to the club and its supporters, and that the squad is now focused on winning together.

United have imposed a fine as a formal sanction, according to multiple reports, although the club has not confirmed the exact amount.

Martínez’s contract runs until the end of the 2026-27 season, with United holding an option to extend it by a further year. While the immediate disciplinary matter has been settled, questions remain about his longer-term future at Old Trafford.

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