Manchester United have reportedly fined defender Lisandro Martínez following his public criticism of the club’s hierarchy after their 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

The Argentine centre-back was disciplined after expressing frustration over the club’s summer transfer business and questioning whether manager Michael Carrick had received sufficient backing to build a competitive squad.

Martínez’s comments came after United’s disappointing defeat in Madrid, where he suggested that the club needed to do more in the transfer market to compete with Europe’s top teams.

He also singled out director of football Jason Wilcox, insisting that he expected more from the club’s recruitment strategy. “I expect more from our technical director,” Martínez said after the match.

The defender’s remarks attracted considerable attention, with questions raised over the relationship between United’s players and the club’s senior management.

The 28-year-old subsequently issued a public apology, admitting that the frustration of the defeat had influenced his decision to speak out. He acknowledged that the timing and manner of his remarks were inappropriate and stressed the importance of unity within the club.

Martínez also reaffirmed his belief that everyone at Manchester United was working towards the same objective of returning the club to success. Reports indicate that United have imposed a fine on Martínez, although the club has not publicly disclosed the details of any internal disciplinary action.

The incident has nevertheless highlighted the growing frustration surrounding United’s performances and recruitment strategy. With the club seeking to recover from a difficult start to the campaign, attention will now turn to whether Martínez can put the controversy behind him and help his teammates improve their results in the coming fixtures.