Lisandro Martinez apologises for outburst after meeting Man Utd hierarchy
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has issued a public apology for his outburst following Tuesday's Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid. The apology came after a Thursday meeting with the club's hierarchy, including technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, with head coach Michael Carrick also present.
- Who: Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United defender
- What: Public apology for outburst after Champions League loss
- When: Apology released Thursday night; meeting held Thursday
- Where: Manchester United, after 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid
- Context: Martinez criticised summer investment and singled out technical director Jason Wilcox
- Next: Man Utd prepare for Leeds on Sunday
What was 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."
"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."
"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."
Martinez's apology follows an extraordinary attack on the club's hierarchy after the 2-0 defeat in Spain. He criticised the lack of summer investment in the squad and said he expected more from "upstairs" after he singled out technical director Jason Wilcox. The defender had issued a statement on Wednesday to clarify his outburst, but did not apologise at that time.
The apology was released after a meeting on Thursday between Martinez, Wilcox, CEO Omar Berrada and head coach Michael Carrick. It is understood that it was Martinez's decision to publicly apologise.
The numbers
- 2-0: Score of Manchester United's Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
- 1: Number of days between Martinez's initial statement (Wednesday) and his apology (Thursday night).
- 1: Meeting held on Thursday between Martinez and club hierarchy (Wilcox, Berrada, Carrick).
Analysis: Why Martinez's apology matters for Man Utd
Lisandro Martinez has moved quickly to draw a line under an incident that threatened to overshadow Manchester United's season. By apologising publicly, he has taken ownership of comments that criticised the club's summer investment and singled out technical director Jason Wilcox. The presence of CEO Omar Berrada and head coach Michael Carrick at Thursday's meeting shows how seriously the club treated the matter.
The apology also protects Martinez from further disciplinary action, with the club now considering the matter closed. It is understood that any disciplinary decisions or internal conversations will be kept private between him and the club.
Martinez's emotional style has always been part of his appeal, but this episode highlights the fine line between passion and public criticism of the hierarchy. By apologising, he has likely preserved his relationship with the key decision-makers at Old Trafford.
Talking points
- Did Martinez go too far by publicly criticising the club's summer investment and singling out Jason Wilcox?
- Will this apology fully repair his relationship with the hierarchy, or is there lasting damage?
- Should the club have handled this internally rather than allowing a public apology?
- Does this incident suggest deeper unrest in the squad over transfer strategy?
What happens next
Manchester United now consider the matter closed as they prepare for Leeds on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. The focus will return to on-pitch matters, with Martinez expected to be available for selection.
Frequently asked questions
Has Lisandro Martinez apologised for his outburst?
Yes, Martinez issued a public apology on Thursday night, saying the frustration of the defeat led him to express his feelings at a time and place that were not right.
Who did Lisandro Martinez meet with at Manchester United?
Martinez met with the club's hierarchy, including technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, with head coach Michael Carrick also present.
What did Lisandro Martinez say in his apology?
He said the meeting was positive and that he wanted to apologise for his comments, adding that the club is at its best when united.
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