Lisandro Martinez apologises to Manchester United and fined after post-match remarks

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has apologised to the club after criticising the hierarchy following Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, and has been formally fined. The Argentina international issued the apology after talks with the club on Thursday.

Martinez had publicly said the club had left head coach Michael Carrick with an under-equipped squad in the aftermath of the Atletico Madrid game. Following discussions with Manchester United on Thursday, Martinez released a brief statement saying "I want to apologise". The comments prompted the club to address the matter internally.

United have managed just two wins in nine matches this season across competitions. In the Premier League they sit 13th, having picked up six points from as many games. Those figures were provided in the club's season summary within the report.

Martinez, 28, remains out of contract at the end of the season. There is an option in his deal to extend his contract by another year. The club confirmed his nationality by referring to him as the Argentina international in its communications.

Media coverage included reaction pieces under headlines such as 'Players have a different responsibility' and 'Man Utd a circus after Martinez comments - Keane'. Martinez described the episode himself as an outburst that came out of 'anger and frustration'. Another item referenced in coverage read 'Wilcox the target again in another damaging Man Utd fallout'.

Michael Carrick will hold a news conference on Friday. He takes his side to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Sunday.