Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has apologised to the club’s leadership following his public criticism of senior officials in the aftermath of their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine centre-back sparked controversy after United’s 2-0 loss in Spain on Tuesday, questioning the club’s summer transfer business and expressing dissatisfaction with the decisions made by those in charge. He specifically mentioned technical director Jason Wilcox while insisting he had expected more from “upstairs”.
Martinez has since held talks with United’s senior management in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Thursday’s meeting involved Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and head coach Michael Carrick.
In a statement released later that evening, the 28-year-old acknowledged that his reaction to the defeat had been inappropriate and expressed regret over the manner in which he aired his frustrations.
“Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager.
“It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s game.
“Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity.
“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 apologise.
“Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not help with that.
“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.
“With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together.”
The decision to issue the public apology came from Martinez himself. Although reports indicate that the defender has been fined, United are understood to be keeping any disciplinary action and private discussions confidential.
The club considers the matter resolved as preparations continue for Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Leeds United.
Martinez had released an earlier statement on Wednesday seeking to explain his comments, but stopped short of apologising at the time.
The incident has raised questions about the atmosphere within United’s dressing room, particularly given the emphasis players have placed on togetherness since Carrick took charge.
Martinez’s future at Man Utd uncertain
Despite the apology, uncertainty remains over Martinez’s long-term future at Manchester United.
His current contract is due to expire next summer, and doubts persist over whether the club will offer him an extension. United have the option of keeping him for an additional year but are expected to prioritise defensive reinforcements in upcoming transfer windows, with both centre-backs and left-backs reportedly under consideration.
Martinez has previously sought an exit from Old Trafford. During the last summer transfer window, he pushed for a move to Atletico Madrid, the same team that eliminated United in the Champions League, hoping to reunite with his close friend and international teammate Cristian Romero, who moved to Spain from Tottenham Hotspur. However, United did not receive an offer they considered suitable.
The latest confrontation is not the first time Martinez has publicly challenged senior figures at a club. While playing for Ajax in 2022, he criticised sporting director Gerry Hamstra, referring to him as a “nobody” amid speculation surrounding his future.
For now, the apology appears to have drawn a line under the immediate dispute, but questions surrounding United’s recruitment strategy, dressing-room harmony and Martinez’s future remain unresolved.
