Lisandro Martinez was reportedly confronted by a Manchester United team-mate on the flight home from Madrid after his explosive interview sparked unrest following a disappointing defeat to Atletico.
United suffered a 2-0 Champions League loss on Tuesday, extending a miserable start to the season in which Michael Carrick’s side have managed just two victories across all competitions.
Martinez subsequently questioned the support given to his manager and then criticised the club’s hierarchy during an exchange with former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
According to Sky Sports, one player challenged the Argentine about his comments during the return journey to Manchester, while several team-mates are said to be unhappy with his public intervention.
The identity of the player involved has not been disclosed, but the reported confrontation suggests Martinez’s decision to speak out has caused friction within Carrick’s squad.
His criticism centred on whether United had done enough during the summer transfer window to help their manager build on last season.
Director of football Jason Wilcox was among those targeted as Martinez questioned decisions above the coaching staff and argued that changing managers repeatedly would not resolve the club’s problems.
Asked whether Carrick had received sufficient backing, Martinez replied: “I don’t think so.
“He does his best. Every season is different. You can’t stay with what you did last season.
“The teams knows how you play, they know every detail, if you don’t change next season is a big problem.
“You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can’t say more.”
The defender’s remarks have also intensified scrutiny of his future at Old Trafford, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the campaign.
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“As a club, I expect more… I’m not gonna close my mouth, we need to have more ambition.”
Lisandro Martínez opens up to @pschmeichel1 about Manchester United’s struggles https://t.co/mJsHg9pk9Z
— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 13, 2026
United hold an option to extend that agreement by another year, leaving the club with a decision to make over a player whose dissatisfaction has now become public.
Carrick, meanwhile, declined to pass judgement on the interview after the defeat, explaining that he had not watched it.
The United boss instead pointed to the disappointment of the result and urged everyone at the club to remain united.
“I haven’t seen it,” Carrick said.
“After a game like this, you come here to try and get something from the game and you are disappointed and can be emotional.
“I have not seen it so I don’t think it is the right time.
“We all care and show that in different ways but now is the time to be together and work through.”
Reports have also claimed that Martinez will likely receive a fine for his outburst, though no official statement has been released yet.
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