Martinez apologises to Man United after outburst over squad reinforcements

Lisandro Martinez has apologised for publicly criticising Manchester United’s leadership after their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, following a clear-the-air meeting with head coach Michael Carrick and the club’s senior hierarchy at their first training session since Tuesday’s loss in Madrid.

The Argentine defender had pulled no punches in the immediate aftermath of the result, making pointed comments about a lack of squad reinforcements despite a summer that brought in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. He then doubled down the following evening, describing his feelings as “hurt” at the club’s current plight.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Martinez acknowledged that his timing and choice of words had been wrong. “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,” he wrote.

Martinez was careful to frame the episode as a product of passion rather than a deeper rift, adding: “Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity.”

He also sought to draw a line under the controversy, insisting the meeting had been constructive. “It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s game,” he said, before stressing that the club functions best when unified.

“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.”

Martinez closed with a forward-looking message: “With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together.”

The episode nonetheless highlights the tension building inside Old Trafford, with Martinez’s initial comments reflecting a frustration that clearly runs deep despite the club’s summer recruitment activity.