Lisandro Martinez has been fined by Manchester United and apologised following his explosive rant after the defeat to Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils centre-back didn't hold back after their 2-0 setback in the Spanish capital, where he made inflammatory remarks about the lack of squad reinforcements.
Martinez meets Carrick after defeat
On Thursday, Martinez cleared the air with United boss Michael Carrick and the club's hierarchy during their first training session since Tuesday's Atletico Madrid reverse. On Wednesday, he issued an apology to his teammates and supporters on social media.
He said: "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 Tuesday's 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 rights ones, and for that I want to apologise.
Second apology in consecutive days
Martinez was reportedly amongst the final players to arrive at Carrington today (Thursday), with Carrick scheduled to meet the press on Friday before Sunday's crucial clash at Leeds United. The 28-year-old has been hit with a fine over his remarks, though Thursday's public acknowledgement on social media marks his second apology in consecutive days following the controversy.
On Wednesday evening, he declared: "Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel.
"After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted.
Players divided over remarks
The Manchester Evening News have revealed that certain players backed the defender's remarks in post-match discussions, while others took issue with how they were delivered, with at least one senior squad member challenging him over the matter.
Reports from elsewhere indicate that Martinez will be in contention for selection against Daniel Farke's team, though it's been suggested that his long-term prospects remain clouded with just 12 months left on his contract - and United possesses an option for an additional year.
The incident originated from Martinez's heated exchange during his post-Atletico media duties with Amazon Prime, where he stated: "I have to control myself a lot. But sometimes it's a reflection of how our club is at the moment, you know?"
"We did a fantastic season last season, and now we expect more from the top, from above, you know, to bring more players to compete, because many, many teams bring many players in as well, and today also, Atletico have an amazing team, and they deserved to win today.
"I expected more, honestly. I expected more."
