Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has issued a formal apology for post-match rant after meeting with the higher authorities. Martinez outburst came after a 2-0 loss against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
After the defeat, the Argentine said director of football Jason Wilcox should have brought more quality into the team throughout the summer and manager Michael Carrick should not be blamed for United’s poor start to the season.
United’s hierarchy, including Wilcox and Carrick, met with Martínez at the club’s training ground on Thursday and the Argentine apologised for what he said.
“Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager,” Martínez said in a post on social media.
“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.”
Former Manchester United players, including Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Roy Keane had slammed Martinez for his controversial comments.
“When Martínez says they should have brought more players in, he’s directly attacking his team-mates,” said Neville.
“If I was Bruno Fernandes and I was Harry Maguire and the other senior players, I’d be absolutely fuming with him because you’re basically saying that some of us shouldn’t be here and we should be bringing more players in.
“That’s what I think he’s saying.”
According to club sources, the matter is “considered closed,” and Martínez is set to be available to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday if selected.
Manchester United will next take on Leeds United on Sunday in the Premier League.
