Manchester United have fined defender Lisandro Martínez for publicly criticising the club’s leadership following their 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The Argentina international reportedly received the punishment after questioning the club’s summer transfer business and calling on senior officials to do more to strengthen the squad.
Martínez expressed his frustration after Tuesday’s defeat, arguing that head coach Michael Carrick should not be held solely responsible for the team’s poor performances. He specifically questioned the work of technical director Jason Wilcox and said the club needed to show greater ambition.
The defender’s comments sparked controversy at Old Trafford, with his criticism directed at the club’s recruitment decisions and the support provided to the manager.
Following the incident, Martínez held talks with Carrick, Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and other senior club officials at the club’s Carrington training ground.
The meeting was described as positive, with the discussions allowing both sides to address the disagreement and clarify their positions.
Martínez later issued a public apology, admitting that frustration following the defeat had led him to express his views at the wrong time and in the wrong way.
He said the club was strongest when everyone worked together and acknowledged that his comments had not helped the team’s unity. He also stressed that the players and officials shared the same ambition of returning Manchester United to success.
Reports on Friday indicated that the club had imposed a fine and considered the matter closed. Manchester United have not publicly disclosed the amount of the reported punishment.
Despite the resolution, the incident has drawn attention to concerns over United’s recruitment strategy and the relationship between players and the club’s leadership.
Martínez’s contract runs until the end of the 2026-27 season, although Manchester United have an option to extend it by another year. His longer-term future at the club remains a separate issue.
The defender is expected to remain available as United prepare for their Premier League trip to Leeds United on Sunday, with the club now seeking to move beyond the dispute and focus on results.