French football journalist Julien Laurens has said "a fine isn't enough" for Lisandro Martinez and that Manchester United should have used his outburst "to bring a bit more discipline and authority back into the club".

The United defender issued an apology on Thursday following his controversial remarks criticising the club's hierarchy after United's Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

It is understood Martinez has been formally punished with a fine.

"I don't think the sanction is enough because a fine is nothing for Martinez," said Laurens on BBC Radio 5 Live's Euro Leagues podcast. "I think he plays on Sunday, but I wouldn't play him.

"I would drop him from the squad, but I think if they were to do that then they would have announced it at the same time as his fine.

"A fine is not enough for people who earn £200,000 a week. A week's wages is nothing for him - even two weeks isn't.

"It shows such a lack of leadership from the club that a player, who is in his last year [of his contract], can come out - not just once, but twice - in an interview [and criticise the hierarchy]. A fine isn't enough.

"This was an opportunity for United, Jason Wilcox and Michael Carrick to bring a bit more discipline and authority back into the club.

"If you are the captain, then maybe you can say it. I would argue comments like that are still rare, though.

"Martinez had been turned over by Dominic Solanke three days before and had cost his team three points so I'm not sure it's right for him to come out and say something."