Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has apologised for criticising the club’s hierarchy after their Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid. He issued the apology on Thursday following talks with manager Michael Carrick and senior officials.

Martinez met Carrick and club executives after training. The meeting came two days after United’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico on Tuesday.

The Argentina international had called for greater investment to help the club compete at the highest level. His comments also raised questions about United’s plans to build a squad capable of challenging in Europe.

Martinez admits mistake

In an Instagram post, Martinez said the meeting allowed both sides to discuss the incident.

“Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager,” Martinez said.

“It was a very positive conversation where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday’s game.”

A club source said any internal disciplinary action would remain private. The source added that Martinez had chosen to apologise publicly and that all parties considered the matter closed.

Martinez blamed his frustration after the defeat for his remarks. He also admitted that he had chosen the wrong time and place to express his feelings.

“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.”

Defender stresses unity at Old Trafford

During his post-match interview, Martinez singled out United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox. He argued that the club needed more signings to compete with their rivals.

However, the defender acknowledged that his comments did not reflect the unity needed at Old Trafford. He also stressed that everyone at the club shared the same ambition.

“Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not come across that way,” he said.

“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.”

Martinez ended his statement by drawing a line under the controversy.

“With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together.”

United sit 13th in the Premier League after six games. The club are enduring their worst start to a season in 40 years.

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