Lisandro Martínez and Youri Tielemans reportedly clashed on flight after Atlético Madrid 2-0 win

Lisandro Martínez and Youri Tielemans allegedly became involved in a confrontation on the team flight back to Manchester last month following Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in their second Champions League match.

United’s loss in Madrid was followed by a public outburst from Martínez the next day in which he criticised the club’s board and named Director of Football Jason Wilcox over what he described as insufficient transfer investment; the comments reportedly offended Tielemans and other summer signings. According to MailSport, the Belgian midfielder complained to Martínez during the return trip to Manchester, and the dispute escalated on the plane.

MailSport’s account says the disagreement developed into a frontal altercation between the two players while travelling home, with both described as frustrated after the match. The report adds that Martínez’s public assessment of United’s summer transfer business particularly rankled Tielemans, who was one of the club’s summer midfield acquisitions.

When asked about Martínez’s remarks immediately after the game, Tielemans initially responded with a sharp "no comment" before stressing the importance of team togetherness and working hard. The outlet reports that, following the flight incident, Martínez met with the club board to discuss the fallout from his comments and the reported confrontation.

Sources cited in the coverage suggest an "increasingly disgruntled camp" among players began to show signs of cracking after the Madrid fixture. The reports link Martínez’s outspoken criticism to growing tensions within the squad but stop short of confirming formal disciplinary action.

Martínez’s contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign and, according to the reporting, his future at Manchester United has become uncertain since his comments. Speculation has suggested United could sell him in the January transfer window, though that possibility has not been confirmed and it remains unclear if he will be at the club for the 2027–2028 season.