The Argentina international issued the apology in a statement shared on Instagram on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after discussions with Carrick, technical director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada at the club’s Carrington training complex.

The meeting followed Martínez’s outspoken comments after Manchester United’s reported 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, during which he questioned the club’s transfer policy and called for greater investment in the playing squad.

In his latest statement, Martínez acknowledged that his disappointment with the result had influenced his reaction. He admitted that although he wanted the club to improve, the timing and setting of his comments were inappropriate.

The defender said the meeting with the club’s leadership had been constructive, allowing those involved to discuss the incident openly and exchange their views.

Martínez also stressed the importance of unity, recognising that his remarks had not helped the club’s efforts to move forward together.

He maintained that the players, coaches and other members of staff shared the same ambition of restoring Manchester United to sustained success and expressed confidence in their commitment to that goal.

The centre-back concluded by indicating that the matter had been resolved and that attention should now return to performances on the pitch.

Reports surrounding the incident suggested that the club regarded the issue as settled, leaving Martínez available for selection ahead of Manchester United’s next Premier League fixture against Leeds United.

Martínez Demands Greater Investment in United’s Squad

The controversy began after Martínez criticised Manchester United’s recruitment strategy following the defeat to Atlético Madrid.

Speaking after the match, the defender argued that the club needed to strengthen its squad to compete with other leading teams. He called for greater investment from the club’s leadership and questioned whether enough was being done to provide the manager with the players required to challenge for major honours.

Martínez also defended Carrick, suggesting that repeatedly changing managers would not solve the club’s wider problems.

His comments shifted attention towards the responsibilities of the club’s senior decision-makers, particularly those overseeing recruitment and squad development.

On Wednesday, the defender had already issued an initial statement explaining that his comments were driven by anger and frustration. He maintained, however, that his intention was to see Manchester United return to competing at the highest level.

The subsequent meeting and apology marked a more conciliatory approach, with Martínez acknowledging the need to communicate his concerns in a way that would not undermine the club’s unity.

The episode highlights the pressure surrounding Manchester United’s efforts to rebuild a competitive squad and meet supporters’ expectations. While players may publicly express concerns about recruitment, disagreements involving senior figures can create additional distractions during a demanding season.

For Martínez, the immediate priority is now to put the controversy behind him and concentrate on his contribution to the team as Manchester United prepare for their next league assignment.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia