Lisandro Martinez Apologizes for Critical Remarks About Manchester United's Hierarchy
The Argentine defender issued an apology after 'positive' clear-the-air talks with club officials, including Director of Football Jason Wilcox.
Lisandro Martinez has apologized for his public criticism of Manchester United's hierarchy, stating that his words "did not help" and came at an inappropriate time. The apology follows "positive" clear-the-air talks with club officials, including Director of Football Jason Wilcox.
Martinez had publicly criticized Wilcox and other executives after the team's defeat to Atletico Madrid, expressing frustration over the lack of support for manager Michael Carrick during the summer transfer window and a perceived reluctance from leadership to address criticism following a difficult start to the season.
In a statement released on Thursday, Martinez expressed regret for the timing and manner of his remarks. "Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity," he said. "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 further stated, "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."
Club sources indicated that Martinez made the decision to apologize unilaterally and that the club views the matter as closed. Martinez is also understood to have accepted a fine.
Martinez's current contract with Manchester United is set to expire at the end of June, although the club holds an option to extend it by another year. If no agreement is reached in the coming weeks, he would be free to negotiate with foreign clubs for a pre-contract agreement. The club is reportedly unlikely to want to lose the 28-year-old World Cup winner on a free transfer five years after his £57 million acquisition from Ajax, and may exercise the extension option to secure a transfer fee.
Manager Michael Carrick will rely on Martinez for the upcoming match against Leeds United, particularly with several defensive players already sidelined.