Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez has apologised for his recent public criticism of the club’s leadership following a meeting with manager Michael Carrick and senior officials. The Argentine defender acknowledged that his frustration after the team’s defeat to Atlético Madrid influenced his comments and said he remained committed to helping United return to success.
Martínez Issues Second Statement After Meeting
Martínez released a statement on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after holding what he described as a positive conversation with Carrick and the club’s leadership.
He said the meeting allowed those involved to exchange views openly about his post-match remarks, which had attracted attention after United’s 2–0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
“Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager. It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after the game,” Martínez said.
The defender admitted that although his comments reflected his passion and desire to win, he had expressed his frustration at an inappropriate time and place.
“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 added.
What Triggered Martínez’s Criticism?
The controversy began after Manchester United’s 2–0 loss to Atlético Madrid, when Martínez publicly questioned the club’s recruitment strategy and the level of investment in the squad.
The Argentina international specifically expressed disappointment with director of football Jason Wilcox, arguing that United needed a stronger squad to compete consistently for major honours.
Although Martínez acknowledged that the players also had to take responsibility for their performances, he maintained that the club needed to provide the necessary resources to compete at the highest level.
His remarks sparked discussion about United’s transfer strategy and the relationship between the playing squad and the club’s leadership.
Defender Calls for Unity at Old Trafford
In his apology, Martínez recognised that his comments had not helped maintain unity within the club.
“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 also expressed confidence in the efforts of everyone working at Manchester United, stressing that the club shared a common ambition to restore its standing among football’s leading teams.
Martínez concluded his statement by insisting that the situation was behind him and that his focus had returned to helping the team win.
“With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together,” he said.
Carrick Confirms Martínez Remains Available
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick subsequently confirmed that the club had moved on from the incident and that Martínez would be available for the Premier League match against Leeds United on Sunday, October 18.
Carrick played down the controversy, saying the defender had acknowledged the situation and that the squad had continued working together.
The club has not publicly disclosed details of any internal disciplinary action. Reports have suggested that Martínez was fined, although the club has not officially confirmed the details.
Manchester United Turn Attention Back to the Pitch
The episode comes as Manchester United seek to improve their results following a difficult start to the campaign. Their defeat to Atlético Madrid intensified scrutiny of the squad and the club’s recruitment decisions.
Martínez’s apology appears to have brought the immediate dispute to a close, with both the defender and Carrick emphasising the importance of unity.
However, his original comments also highlighted wider questions about United’s ambitions, squad-building strategy and expectations following their recent performances.
For now, Martínez has made his position clear: he believes Manchester United must compete for the biggest honours, accepts his own responsibility as a player and wants the team to move forward together.
Lisandro Martínez Statement
“Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager. It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after the game”.
“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”.
“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”.
“With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together”.
