Martinez confronted by team-mate on flight home after scathing United board attack

Lisandro Martinez was confronted by a Manchester United team-mate on the flight home from Madrid after his outspoken criticism of the club’s board and transfer policy in the wake of Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

According to reports, at least one player approached the Argentine defender during the journey back to England to challenge him over his post-match interview, in which Martinez singled out director of football Jason Wilcox, questioned the quality of the current squad, and suggested United lack the standard required to compete in the Champions League. Several other squad members are also said to have been left unhappy by his remarks.

Martinez’s frustration was plain in his interview, where he stated: “It is annoying, disappointing coming here and I am not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result.” While he also threw his support behind manager Michael Carrick, the broader tone of his comments clearly unsettled the dressing room.

The defeat itself was damaging. Pablo Barrios put Atletico ahead inside the opening minute, and United’s night unravelled further when Leny Yoro was shown a red card in the 74th minute. Ademola Lookman added a second five minutes later to seal the result.

Carrick’s position continues to look precarious. In his first full season in charge, the United manager has won just two of his matches — a 5-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town and a 4-0 Champions League group-stage win over Sabah FK.

In a separate development, Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been fined £25,000 by the FA and issued an official warning following his own post-match outburst — this one directed at refereeing decisions after Fulham’s 1-1 draw with United on September 20 at Craven Cottage. Fulham had led through a Martinez own goal in the 63rd minute before Matheus Cunha’s heavily deflected effort levelled matters deep into the second half.

Arbeloa said after the game: “I think all fouls for them. Every decision was for them, and I knew, I knew after the game against Man City that they don’t let Manchester United lose here.” The FA’s disciplinary commission found those comments in breach of its rules.