Man United players claim media ban imposed after Martinez's explosive Champions League outburst

Manchester United players claimed they had been barred from speaking to the press in the mixed zone after Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Elland Road, with Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha among those who told waiting reporters they were not allowed to give interviews.

The apparent media ban follows Lisandro Martinez’s explosive television interview in the aftermath of United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid, in which the Argentine defender publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy, including director of football Jason Wilcox. Martinez subsequently apologised following clear-the-air talks with the club and was included in the squad that travelled to Leeds.

Post-match access in the mixed zone is a routine part of United’s media commitments, particularly after positive results, making the reported restriction all the more notable. Reporters present at Elland Road indicated that players actively acknowledged they had been told not to stop and speak, rather than simply walking past without comment.

The incident raises questions about the atmosphere inside the dressing room and the club’s relationship with its playing staff at a turbulent moment in the season. Whether the ban represents a short-term response to the Martinez controversy or signals a broader shift in the club’s media policy remains unclear.