Lisandro Martínez apologises and accepts Man United fine

Lisandro Martínez, the Manchester United defender, has apologised after comments aimed at the club’s hierarchy and has been formally punished with a fine, according to BBC Sport. The Argentina centre-back made the remarks after United’s Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, saying head coach Michael Carrick had been left with an under-equipped squad.

Apology after the outburst

On Thursday, following talks with United’s leadership and the manager, Martínez released a statement. “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 wrote. He also said the conversation with club leaders and Carrick was “very positive”, adding that he spoke “out of anger and frustration”.

With attention shifting back to the weekend, Carrick will hold a news conference on Friday before Sunday’s game against Leeds United. United head to Elland Road with just two wins in nine and sit 13th in the Premier League on six points from their first six matches.

Long-term future still unclear

While the issue over the recent comments is considered closed, it remains to be seen whether United will trigger an option to extend his deal by 12 months. Martínez’s current contract expires at the end of the season.