Madrid’s Champions League night left Manchester United with more than a 2-0 defeat at Atlético de Madrid to absorb. Lisandro Martínez has moved to ease tensions inside the club after his post-match criticism of the board and its recruitment approach.
The Argentine defender, one of the senior voices in United’s squad, met club football officials and head coach Michael Carrick after speaking angrily in the aftermath of Tuesday’s loss in Spain. Martínez said the discussion had been constructive and that he had apologised for the timing and setting of his remarks.
Quick facts
- Atlético de Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
- Lisandro Martínez held talks with United’s football leadership and Michael Carrick.
- The 28-year-old had criticised leadership changes and called for recruitment improvements.
- The Argentina World Cup winner said his frustration after defeat shaped his reaction.
In an Instagram statement, Martínez said he had spoken openly with the club and his coach about events following the match. He described himself as someone who experiences football intensely, while accepting that his immediate reaction to the result had not helped.
“The disappointment of the defeat made me say what I felt at a moment and in a place that may not have been right,” Martínez said, adding that he wanted to apologise.
The 2022 World Cup winner had questioned the club’s direction and urged more from its sporting leadership over new signings. He has now stressed that public disagreement can create further problems rather than provide answers.
Martínez said Manchester United are strongest when the squad, coaching staff and hierarchy move in the same direction. He added that everyone at the club is working towards the shared aim of restoring the success expected by supporters.
With the episode closed, the centre-back said the focus is on victories alongside his team-mates, the board and Carrick’s staff. United leave the Spanish capital facing the task of turning that message of unity into results.
