Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has publicly apologised after his post-match outburst following the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid
Lisandro Martinez has been fined after his Man United outburst.
Lisandro Martinez has been fined after his Man United outburst.(Image: Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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.
On Wednesday evening, he stood by his comments, describing his emotions as 'hurt' regarding United's current struggles. Despite a busy summer transfer window that brought in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, the Argentine felt driven to lash out. But 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.
Lisandro Martinez has apologised for his outburst.
Lisandro Martinez has apologised for his outburst.(Image: Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
"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.
"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."
Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United disappointed after the match during the UEFA Champions League match between Atletico Madrid v Manchester United at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United disappointed after the match during the UEFA Champions League match between Atletico Madrid v Manchester United at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano(Image: Getty)
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.
"Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don't go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
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"My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
"When I talk about wanting more, I'm talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club. To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.
"I know that, first and foremost, it's us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility. We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.
"I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward. I'm convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment.
Leny Yoro was sent off after a VAR review for a foul on Jonathan David.
Leny Yoro was sent off after a VAR review for a foul on Jonathan David. (Image: (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images))
"My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge."
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."