Story perspectives

Martinez apologizes after criticizing United hierarchy post-Atletico loss

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 2:04 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Martinez Criticizes United

Lisandro Martinez criticised Manchester United’s hierarchy after a 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid.
He blamed technical director Jason Wilcox for insufficient summer transfer investment.
Teammates confronted Martinez on the flight back from the match.
After meeting manager Michael Carrick and senior staff, Martinez posted an Instagram apology.
United issued a formal fine to Martinez, keeping any further disciplinary action confidential.

Summary

Atletico Madrid Triumph

Atletico Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 after Pablo Barrios scored in the first minute.
Leny Yoro was sent off in the 74th minute, leaving United with ten men.
Michael Carrick has recorded only two victories in his first full season across all competitions.
United defeated Ipswich Town 5-2 in the Premier League, one of Carrick’s two season wins.
United also beat Sabah FK 4-0 in their Champions League group match.

History

Historical Context

In 2003-04 Manchester United slipped to third place, ceding the unbeaten Premier League title to Arsenal after a season marked by Rio Ferdinand’s £29.1 million record signing and a 2-0 League Cup loss to Liverpool. Today Lisandro Martínez’s criticism of technical director Jason Wilcox echoes the 2003 season’s 2-0 League Cup loss to Liverpool, a moment that still resonates at United.

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Martinez Criticizes United

Lisandro Martinez criticised Manchester United’s hierarchy after a 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid.
He blamed technical director Jason Wilcox for insufficient summer transfer investment.
Teammates confronted Martinez on the flight back from the match.
After meeting manager Michael Carrick and senior staff, Martinez posted an Instagram apology.
United issued a formal fine to Martinez, keeping any further disciplinary action confidential.

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