Lisandro Martinez Apologises to Manchester United After Board Criticism
Lisandro Martinez has apologised to Manchester United after being called in for talks at Carrington over his criticism of the club’s recruitment and senior decision-makers following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The 28-year-old met Michael Carrick and members of United’s leadership group on Thursday in a bid to resolve the issue. Martinez was understood to have received a substantial fine, although the club has not publicly set out any disciplinary sanction. The meeting was intended to address a row that had raised concerns over unity within the squad and the player’s public comments on the club’s direction.
Martinez issued his apology on Instagram after the discussion, stressing that the conversation with Carrick and the club hierarchy had been constructive. He said they had exchanged views openly about the events that followed Tuesday’s match and acknowledged that his emotions had got the better of him.
The Argentina international described himself as someone who approaches football intensely, but accepted that the frustration caused by the defeat had led him to speak at an unsuitable moment. He said United need collective unity to succeed and admitted that his remarks had not contributed to that. Martinez also said he believed everybody at the club was working towards the same objective: restoring the success expected by supporters.
The club have indicated that the decision to release the statement was Martinez’s alone, as they seek to close the matter and refocus on the season.
His original comments came in a post-match interview after the loss to Atletico, when he questioned whether United had strengthened sufficiently over the summer. Martinez argued that the side had established a platform during the previous campaign but had not added the depth required to challenge at the highest European level.
He was especially critical of technical director Jason Wilcox and United’s recruitment operation. Martinez said the squad had delivered a strong season previously and that greater support from above had been expected through new signings. Asked whether the current group was equipped for Champions League competition, he said he had expected more, making clear that he was referring to the summer transfer business.
Martinez also accepted that the players must improve their own performances. However, he maintained that clubs need a strong enough squad for demanding European nights, repeating his view that last season’s work should have been the basis for building a team capable of more.
