Manchester United are considering disciplinary action against defender Lisandro Martinez following his public criticism of the club’s hierarchy after their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
According to reports, the club is assessing a possible fine for the Argentine international after he questioned the team’s summer recruitment and called for greater investment to strengthen the squad.
Speaking after Tuesday’s defeat, Martinez expressed frustration with the club’s management, particularly technical director Jason Wilcox, over its failure to bring in more players.
“We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well,” he said.
“I expect more [investment]. 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director.
“Tonight it is easy to blame the coach, easy to say the players, but also we have to see other areas.”
The defender also questioned United’s approach to changing managers without addressing other areas of the club.
“You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas?” he asked.
According to The Athletic’s Manchester United correspondent, Laurie Whitwell, the club considers a fine for Martinez “inevitable”, although other players in the dressing room reportedly share his concerns about the club’s recruitment and overall direction.
Football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano also reported on Wednesday that United were considering a possible sanction against the defender.
“Lisandro Martínez not the only player at Manchester United with that view of the situation at club level. Man United assessing possible sanction/fine for Licha, as reports,” Romano wrote on X.
He added that Martinez’s contract situation remained a factor, with his current deal due to expire in June 2027, although the club has an option to extend it until 2028.
Martinez reportedly reinforced his position in a subsequent interview, insisting that he would not “close my mouth” over his concerns and calling for greater ambition from the club.
The defender’s remarks have generated debate over whether his criticism was justified, with some arguing that United’s recruitment strategy needs scrutiny, while others believe public criticism could undermine team unity.
United have struggled for consistency this season, with Tuesday’s defeat to Atletico extending their winless run to five matches.
The club is expected to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday as manager Michael Carrick seeks to improve the team’s results amid growing scrutiny of the club’s leadership and recruitment decisions.