Martinez apologises after criticising United's transfer strategy
Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 16 Oct, 11:03 · Archive
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has apologised for criticising the club's hierarchy over the transfer market after Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Lisandro Martinez issued a public apology on Instagram after criticising Manchester United's hierarchy in an interview following the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night. He had targeted Jason Wilcox, the club's technical director, over the lack of movement in the summer transfer market and also bemoaned his team-mates' effort levels at the Metropolitano.
The fallout was immediate. Reports suggested United's squad took Martinez's comments poorly, with at least one player confronting him on the flight back to Manchester. Speculation mounted that he might be dropped for this weekend's trip to Leeds as punishment.
However, Martinez held meetings with Michael Carrick, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada at Carrington. On Instagram, he wrote that his frustration at the defeat led him to express himself at a time and place that were not right, and acknowledged that his words did not help unite the squad. Manchester United fined him following these discussions.
The Mirror reports that Martinez's frustration peaked when he saw 20-year-old Ayden Heaven, a centre-half by trade, named at left-back during the loss. Heaven had never previously started a senior match in the position. Michael Carrick faced a lack of fit options with Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui absent through injury, and the Mirror reports that adding a left-back was on his summer wishlist but no-one arrived. Interest in Newcastle's Lewis Hall was never pursued due to financial concerns, The Sun reports.
Despite the fine, Martinez has been made available to face Leeds this weekend. The Mirror also reports he is looking to leave United this summer when his contract expires, having been linked with a move to Atletico in the off-season.
How it is being reported
- Jamie Carragher forced to clarify Liverpool comments in his book after Lisandro Martinez rantLisandro Martinez received harsh criticism from Jamie Carragher for his Manchester United rant, which saw the latter forced to clarify his own past commentsMirror Sport · 16 Oct, 10:50
- Man Utd veering towards crisis as Man City cloud hangs over Premier LeagueLisandro Martinez apologises for his criticism after on-field spotlight shifts to Manchester United from City.Al Jazeera · 16 Oct, 10:17
- Jamie Carragher accuses Lisandro Martinez of spreading Manchester United ‘myth’ with outburstMartinez hit out at the Manchester United hierarchy after the Champions League defeat to Atletico MadridIndependent Sport · 16 Oct, 09:31
- The one Man Utd player at centre of Lisandro Martinez row 'revealed' as real reason for outburst emergesLisandro Martinez pulled no punches when he spoke after Manchester United's Champions League defeat at Atletico MadridMirror Sport · 16 Oct, 09:12
- Lisandro Martinez wants to LEAVE Man Utd as reason for bombshell rant becomes clearLisandro Martinez is looking to quit Manchester United in the summer after his explosive rant, which was ignited after he saw the club playing a young player out of positionMirror Sport · 16 Oct, 09:07
- Will Lisandro Martinez start for Manchester United vs Leeds after interview apology?Argentine centre-back has been at the centre of controversy this weekEvening Standard · 15 Oct, 22:29
In this story: Lisandro Martinez · Manchester United · Atletico Madrid · Jason Wilcox · Michael Carrick · Leeds United
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