Manchester United have fined defender Lisandro Martínez for publicly criticising the club’s hierarchy following their 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

The club has reportedly considered the matter closed after the Argentina international held discussions with manager Michael Carrick and senior officials before issuing a public apology.

According to reports, Martínez was sanctioned after expressing frustration over the club’s recruitment strategy during the summer transfer window, arguing that the team had not been adequately strengthened to compete at the highest level.

The 28-year-old specifically criticised technical director Jason Wilcox, saying he expected greater investment in the squad and questioning why the club’s management had not faced the same level of scrutiny as the players and coach.

“I expect more from our technical director,” Martínez said after the defeat to Atlético Madrid.

He also argued that repeatedly changing managers would not resolve the club’s problems without improvements in other areas of its operations.

The defender’s comments attracted attention amid United’s difficult start to the season and renewed questions about the club’s recruitment decisions.

Martínez Apologises After Meeting Club Officials

Following the controversy, Martínez met with Carrick, Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and other senior officials at the club’s Carrington training ground.

The meeting was described as positive, with the discussions aimed at addressing the situation and resolving the disagreement.

Martínez subsequently apologised publicly, acknowledging that his frustration after the defeat had influenced the timing and manner of his remarks.

“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.

He added that unity was essential to the club’s ambitions and acknowledged that his comments had not helped the team’s collective effort.

“Our club is at its best when we are all united,” Martínez stated, reaffirming his commitment to the team’s shared objectives.

Fine Imposed as Club Closes Matter

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester United had imposed a fine on the defender and considered the case closed following the discussions and apology.

The club has not publicly disclosed the amount of the fine.

Although the immediate disciplinary matter appears to have been resolved, the incident has added to scrutiny surrounding United’s performances, recruitment strategy and internal relationships.

Martínez’s current contract runs until the end of the 2026–27 season, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further year.

Manchester United are expected to turn their attention to their upcoming Premier League fixture against Leeds United as they seek to improve their form.