Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been fined by the club following public criticism of the team’s leadership and has expressed a desire to leave the club on a free transfer next summer. The Argentine centre-back, 28, issued the comments after Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Martinez reportedly confronted the club’s officials in a meeting to discuss his outburst before issuing a public apology, which acknowledged that the timing and manner of his remarks were inappropriate. Sources indicate that his frustration was partly directed at Jason Wilcox, the club’s technical director, over the lack of reinforcement in the left-back position. The situation arose after Luke Shaw suffered an injury, leading to young centre-back Ayden Heaven, 20, being deployed in an unfamiliar role at left-back.

The defender’s contract with Manchester United expires in June 2024, and he has made it known that he does not intend to renew it. This stance raises the prospect of the club losing him without collecting a transfer fee next summer. Martinez shared a message on social media confirming that he had met with the club’s leadership but did not disclose detailed outcomes from the discussions.

Manchester United have yet to comment publicly on the matter. The ongoing developments add to the uncertainties surrounding the club's squad planning and transfer strategy ahead of the next season.