Manchester United fine Martínez after hierarchy criticism, closes case

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United has fined defender Lisandro Martínez for criticising the club’s hierarchy and transfer planning, with the club now considering the matter closed.

The Argentina international spoke out after United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.

In a post-match interview, Martínez expressed frustration at the lack of squad reinforcement following last season’s progress, Dailyeconomy reports.

“We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well.

“I expect more investment. 100%. I expect more from our technical director Jason Wilcox,” he said.

He added that it was easy to blame the coach or players but that “other areas” also needed scrutiny, while defending manager Michael Carrick.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, on Friday, United has imposed a fine as punishment.

“Manchester United have fined Lisandro Martínez as punishment and consider the case now closed.

“Lisandro spoke to Carrick and the directors to clarify the situation, apologize then now moving on,” Romano revealed.

Martínez held clear-the-air talks with Carrick and club directors on Thursday, Dailyeconomy gathered.

He later issued a public apology on social media, “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.”

Martínez, 28, joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 and has been a key figure in defence when fit, though injuries have limited his appearances in recent seasons.

United spent heavily in the summer transfer window — around £155 million, largely on midfielders — but left gaps at left-back and in attacking options.

The defender remains available for selection.

His current contract runs until the end of the season, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further 12 months.