Brief

Lisandro Martínez apologises after United fine over post‑match comments

Martínez met club leaders, issued an apology and confirmed a fine following his remarks about the squad and technical director.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:30:23 GMT

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez issued an apology on Thursday after his comments about the club’s leadership following the team’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, Gulf News reported.

What happened

The Argentine defender said United had failed to give head coach Michael Carrick a squad capable of competing after a 2‑0 loss on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. He later called for greater investment and criticised technical director Jason Wilcox. On Thursday, Martínez met with Carrick and United executives, describing the conversation as “very positive” in a social‑media post. He said he spoke out of anger and frustration and now apologised for the timing and tone of his remarks. The club reportedly imposed a formal fine on Martínez for the interview, though the amount was not disclosed.

What was said

In his statement, Martínez said: “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.” He added that the club is “at its best when we are all united” and affirmed belief in his teammates and staff. Former United captain Roy Keane later described the situation as “a bit of a circus” on a podcast.

How it came about

The criticism followed United’s 2‑0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on 13 October 2026, which left the team winless in five consecutive competitions and 13th in the Premier League. The club’s poor form had already sparked scrutiny of its hierarchy, as detailed in earlier Felo News coverage.

Key facts

Lisandro Martínez apologised for comments made after United's Champions League loss (gulfnews.com)
United fined Martínez for his interview, amount undisclosed (gulfnews.com)
Martínez met Michael Carrick and club executives on 15 October 2026 (gulfnews.com)