Martinez apologises after criticising Man United hierarchy

Manchester United defender, Lisandro Martinez, has apologised for his controversial remarks criticising the club’s hierarchy following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

The Argentina international made the apology after holding talks with the club’s leadership and head coach Michael Carrick on Thursday.

In a statement posted on social media, Martinez described the meeting as positive, saying both sides exchanged views and spoke openly about his comments after the defeat.

“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,” he said.

Martinez is understood to have been formally punished with a fine over the outburst.

Following United’s defeat to Atletico, the 28-year-old had said the club failed to provide Carrick with a sufficiently equipped squad, calling for greater investment and more support from technical director Jason Wilcox.

He later said he had spoken out of anger and frustration, adding that he believed in his teammates, the manager and everyone working to move the club forward.

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In his latest statement, Martinez acknowledged that his remarks had not helped the club’s efforts to maintain unity.

“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,” he said.

He added that everyone at Manchester United was working towards the shared ambition of restoring success to the club.

“With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together,” Martinez said.

The controversy comes as United prepare for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United. Carrick is scheduled to address the media on Friday ahead of the fixture.

United head into the game after recording just two wins in nine matches this season, leaving them 13th in the Premier League with six points from six games.

It remains uncertain whether Carrick will select Martinez for the match at Elland Road.

Although the club considers the issue over his comments closed, uncertainty remains over the defender’s long-term future at Old Trafford.

Martinez’s current contract expires at the end of the season, although United have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The club has yet to decide whether to exercise that option.

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