Lisandro Martinez has apologised for his criticism of Jason Wilcox after meeting the club’s leadership and head coach Michael Carrick on Thursday.
The Argentina defender questioned whether the director of football had done enough to strengthen the squad after United’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. He also suggested Carrick had not received sufficient support in the transfer market.
Martinez issued his apology on social media after the meeting at United’s training ground, acknowledging that his frustration had led him to speak at the wrong time and in the wrong place.
“Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager,” he said. “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.”
United have declined to confirm whether the 28-year-old has been disciplined, although it is understood he has been fined. The club considers the matter closed, and Martinez is expected to be available for Sunday’s Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road if selected.
His comments followed a disappointing start to the season for Carrick, whose position has come under pressure after United collected only six points from their first six league games, their worst return at that stage since 1986. They have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton.
Martinez had been particularly critical of the club’s summer recruitment, arguing that the squad needed more investment to compete on difficult European nights.
United spent £155m during the summer transfer window, recruiting midfielders Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba. Wilcox had also targeted a left-back, but the club did not complete a deal for that position.
“I expect more, 100%. I expect more from our technical director,” Martinez said. “As players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team.”
He also defended Carrick, rejecting the suggestion that another change of manager would solve the club’s problems. “I don’t think so. He does his best. You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas?”
