Lisandro Martinez has apologised to Manchester United's leadership team after criticising the club's board and recruitment strategy following a Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. The controversy came after his post-match interview after the loss, and he later issued a formal apology on Instagram.
Meeting at Carrington
According to Manchester Evening News, Martinez was summoned to a clear-the-air meeting at the Carrington training ground on Thursday, where he faced manager Michael Carrick and members of the United leadership team to explain his recent conduct.
Writing in a post on his Instagram account, Martinez 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."
It is widely understood that Martinez has been hit with a significant fine.
Apology on Instagram
Martinez wrote: "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."
Comments after the defeat
During his initial post-match media duties with Amazon Prime, Martinez said: "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."
When asked directly if he felt the squad was at a Champions League level, Martinez said: "I expected more, honestly. I expected more."
Reference to summer investment
He specifically confirmed he was referring to summer investment, adding: "Yeah, 100 per cent. I expected more from our technical director. I have to be honest, you know? And also, as players, we have to do more, but it's also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for these kinds of nights. In general. I think last season we did everything; we created a base to build an amazing team."