Manchester United have fined Lisandro Martinez over his public comments about the club’s hierarchy following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine defender was sanctioned after openly criticising the leadership at Old Trafford, questioning the club’s summer recruitment and the support given to head coach Michael Carrick.
According to reports, the club has now closed the matter after Martinez met with senior officials to clarify his remarks and apologise.
The incident followed United’s 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night. Speaking after the game, Martinez, 28, said he had expected more investment in the squad and expressed disappointment with technical director Jason Wilcox.
He said it was easy to blame the manager and players after a defeat, but suggested the club should also look at other areas of its structure, adding that constantly changing managers was not the solution.
The comments drew attention, with reports that a fine was being considered. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Friday that United had fined the centre-back as punishment and now consider the case closed.
Romano wrote that Martinez spoke to Carrick and the directors to explain the situation, apologise and move forward.
The clear-the-air meeting took place on Thursday at the club’s Carrington training base. In attendance were Carrick, director of football Jason Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and other senior figures. Sources described the discussion as positive.
Martinez also issued a public apology on social media. In a statement shared on Instagram, he said he had met with the club’s leadership and the manager in a very positive conversation where views were exchanged openly.
He noted that he is known to be a passionate person who lives football with intensity, and that frustration after the loss led him to speak at a time and in a place that was not appropriate.
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