Lisandro Martinez has apologised and been fined by Manchester United after criticising the club's hierarchy and transfer strategy. The Argentina international, who is out of contract at the end of the season, made his comments following Tuesday night's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Comments targeted Wilcox
Martinez aimed his criticism at United's technical director, Jason Wilcox, expressing frustration that the club had not significantly strengthened in the summer transfer window. It is understood that United fined the 28-year-old for his outburst.
In a post on Instagram on Thursday night, marked as 'AI content', Martinez conceded that his words 'did not help' the club's harmony. He wrote: '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.'
Apology and reflection
'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.'
Martinez added: 'I have to control myself a lot but sometimes is a reflection of the mirror of how our club is at the moment. We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well. Atletico have an amazing team and they deserve to win today.'
Call for investment
'I expect more [investment]. 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]. I have to be honest, 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.'
'In general. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team. It is annoying, disappointing coming here and I am not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result here.'
'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.'
