Manchester United have fined Lisandro Martinez after the defender went public with his criticism of technical director Jason Wilcox following Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. The 28-year-old has since issued a formal apology and is set to be available for selection when United visit Elland Road to face Leeds United on Sunday.
Martinez spoke to Amazon Prime in the immediate aftermath of the defeat in Spain, directing pointed criticism at Wilcox over what he characterised as a failure to strengthen the squad adequately during the summer window. He also raised questions about whether head coach Michael Carrick had received the backing he needed from those running the club above him.
"I expect more [investment], 100%. I expect more from our technical director," Martinez said. "As players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team."
Wednesday was the squad's allocated day off following the defeat, and Martinez used it to post a statement on social media. He acknowledged having spoken out of anger and frustration but stopped short of an apology, writing that his words reflected how he felt and the depth of his ambition for the club.
On Thursday, Martinez was among the last players to arrive at Carrington, where he sat down with Carrick, Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. After those talks, he published a second, fuller statement — a formal apology — which club sources have said was entirely his own decision.
United have declined to confirm any disciplinary action publicly, but it has been reported by BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel that a fine has been imposed. Club sources have described the matter as closed, and Martinez's availability for Sunday has not been affected.
The interview had already unsettled the dressing room. At least one senior squad member confronted Martinez over his remarks, and reaction among his team-mates was split — some appreciated the candour, viewing it partly as a defence of Carrick, while others were unhappy with the manner of the public criticism. One senior player felt the episode had shifted attention away from a performance that many within the group considered respectable despite the scoreline.
United's summer outlay reached £155m, spent entirely on midfielders: Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos arrived, but no new defenders or forwards were brought in. Carrick will head to Leeds without Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw, all currently sidelined.
Martinez's own future beyond this season is unresolved. His contract expires at the end of the campaign, though United hold an option for a further year. If no new agreement is reached in the coming weeks, he would be entitled to open pre-contract negotiations with clubs outside England. Reports have also suggested he is prepared to move on in January.
Carrick holds a press conference on Friday, and Martinez's situation is certain to be at the centre of it.
Reporting: CaughtOffside, ESPN, Daily Star, TeamTalk, The Guardian, Metro, Daily Mail, Evening Standard, talkSPORT, Mirror.