Man Utd decide Lisandro Martinez's punishment for Atletico Madrid comments as player issues statement

Manchester United have formally punished Lisandro Martinez following his explosive comments after Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

The defender used his post-match interview with Amazon Prime to criticise United's hierarchy and the lack of support provided to manager Michael Carrick.

Martinez claimed he expected more from 'upstairs', in reference to Director of Football Jason Wilcox. United signed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Carlos Baleba in the summer transfer market, but failed to recruit a first-team player in any other position.

Now, Martinez has released a lengthy statement on Instagram apologising for his outburst. The 28-year-old confirmed in his statement he'd spoken with United chiefs earlier on Thursday.

"Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager," Martinez began. "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."

BBC Sport have confirmed Martinez received a fine from United and they believe the matter to be closed. He's expected to be available for selection ahead of Sunday's clash with Leeds United.

What does this mean for Martinez's future at Old Trafford?

Martinez has been a popular member of the United squad since arriving from Ajax in 2022.

Despite suffering several injuries, including a serious knee injury which nearly kept him out for a year, supporters admire his passion on and off the pitch. The Argentina international has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup while in England, as well as the World Cup with his country.

He will be out of contract at the end of his season, although United have an option to trigger a one-year extension. It's been reported that Martinez does not want that clause triggered, meaning he can leave United for free next summer.

Fellow veteran defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will also see their contracts expire, which means United will likely have to undergo a huge defensive overhaul.

Man Utd legend's respond to Martinez's rant

While Martinez's claims have gone down well with supporters, several club legends have condemned his attitude. Former Red Devils captain Roy Keane said it makes United look like a 'circus' and lacking in 'men' inside the dressing room, while Gary Neville suggested it to be a 'direct attack' on teammates.

Neville said on his Stick To Football podcast: "I've got a problem with this from a player's perspective.

"That is a direct attack on the players you are playing with."So if I were Harry Maguire or Bruno Fernandes, or any other senior player, I would be absolutely fuming with him because you're basically saying we shouldn't be here and we should be bringing more players in."

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