Manchester United are reportedly set to fine Lisandro Martinez after the defender’s explosive criticism of the club’s hierarchy following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The 28-year-old questioned United’s ambition after Tuesday’s loss, singling out technical director Jason Wilcox before repeating his concerns in a second interview.
His comments came with Michael Carrick’s side having won just two of their opening nine matches across all competitions and been knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
According to The Athletic’s United correspondent Laurie Whitwell, club sources believe a fine is inevitable, while the prospect of Martinez agreeing a contract extension beyond 2027 is described as “remote in the extreme”.
The prospect of disciplinary action adds another dimension to a damaging episode for United, with the Argentine’s remarks placing recruitment and the strength of Carrick’s squad under scrutiny.
Martinez’s deal expires at the end of the season, meaning his future was already uncertain before his intervention in Madrid.
Whitwell reported that United could have sold the centre-back during the summer to generate funds, although whether the controversy makes a departure on a free transfer more likely remains unclear.
Despite his injury problems over recent seasons, Martinez has been an important figure during the opening weeks of the campaign.
However, he made clear after the Atletico defeat that he believes responsibility for United’s struggles extends beyond the dressing room and coaching staff.
Speaking to CBS Sports in his second interview, Martinez insisted he would continue speaking openly about what he considers a lack of ambition.
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Lisandro Martínez did NOT hold back after United’s loss to Atletico https://t.co/OGo25Pzd30
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“We have many games, we have to rotate players, and for me we don’t have the best squad compared to other top teams,” he said.
“As a club, I expect more. I’m not gonna close my mouth; we need to have more ambition.
“I try to be positive and try to be honest. We have to change and do more because I think we are capable of being better. We have the players.
“But also, when you watch the games on television, you see the players and the manager and you point the finger, which is right, we take the responsibility. But also, as a club, I expect more, you know?
“I expect more. I’m not going to close my mouth.
“We need more ambition. We need to talk more about winning the Champions League and winning the Premier League.
“If we don’t say the truth, nothing will change.”
United will return to action against Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday (2pm).
They go into the clash knowing they need to win to ease some of the pressure on Carrick amid speculation Julian Nagelsmann or Antonio Conte could arrive as a replacement.
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