Manchester United’s season continues to lurch from one controversy to another, with Lisandro Martinez’s explosive interview following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid the latest distraction for Michael Carrick.
The Argentine defender publicly criticized the club’s management after the 2-0 defeat, raising questions about United’s recruitment and manager’s support.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Martinez is in talks with the club’s hierarchy and has apologized for his comments, with the matter considered “closed” following the internal fine.
“To give you more information, Man Utd have fined the Argentinian defender,” Romano said.
“As of tonight, Lisandro Martinez has been fined. We will monitor the situation closely over the next few days, but he is expected to be available against Leeds United. He is expected to return to the squad as normal without being suspended internally by Man Utd.
“The fine is considered a punishment for Licha. Internal discussions also helped to solve all the issues.”
Martinez is therefore expected to be available for United’s upcoming clash with Leeds, but he is not the only player who has fallen out with the club’s management this year.
The Red Devils are also battling to keep hold of teenage sensation JJ Gabriel, whose future has become the subject of intense speculation amid interest from Real Madrid.
Romano revealed earlier this week that Gabriel has a 95 per cent chance of leaving Old Trafford, suggesting United have just a five per cent chance of keeping the highly-rated academy graduate.
However, former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness offered a much more optimistic assessment following recent events.
JJ Gabriel could stay at Man Utd amid legal battle
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness suggested United’s chances of keeping Gabriel are significantly higher than Romano’s previous estimate, although he still believes a move to Real Madrid is the most likely outcome.
Football FanCast previously revealed United’s plans to consider legal action after an agent intervened before their age players were allowed to be officially represented, and Wyness, who is experienced in Premier League boardrooms, reacted to the development.
“I think he has about a 30% chance of staying and a 70% chance of going to Real Madrid. I think that’s in their favour.
“I think a lot has been said and a lot has gone under the bridge. Manchester United either didn’t do the right thing; it was probably time to do it last year. They obviously didn’t open the window to his success, his game plan and the way he went.
“Or at least if it’s not to the father’s satisfaction. Now, we know it’s hard, and we’ve discussed before that parents can be very, very difficult.
“I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with overbearing parents who think they know it all, but actually don’t because they don’t have the experience to manage it.
“I’ve had countless young players and I’ve seen them all develop in different ways. Now United are talking about going legal. I mean, it’s ridiculous and I think it would be the wrong way to go.”
The prospect of legal action adds further complexity to an increasingly difficult situation for United, who will be desperate not to lose one of their brightest prospects to Real Madrid.