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SOCCER

Manchester United Accept Martinez Apology Ahead of Leeds Trip

Michael Carrick says Lisandro Martinez is available Sunday after the defender apologised for criticising the club’s transfer policy.

By TSP Staff
Lisandro Martinez in a Manchester United uniform.
Lisandro Martinez at Fulham on September 20, 2026. · Credit: Action Images via Reuters

Lisandro Martinez is available for Manchester United’s visit to Leeds on Sunday after the club accepted his apology for comments about its transfer policy. Manager Michael Carrick confirmed the decision Friday, Reuters reported.

The defender met Carrick and senior officials after United’s Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Carrick said the group had moved on. United enter the weekend 13th after one win in six league matches; Leeds are seventh.

The two-goal European defeat was covered in TSP’s midweek reporting. Sunday now gives United another opportunity to end a run of disappointing results, with Martinez remaining available for selection rather than serving a club-imposed exclusion.

Availability is not confirmation of a starting place. The match lineup remains a separate decision for Carrick, who faces renewed attention on how his team responds away from home. The acceptance of the apology settles the immediate squad question raised by the comments, while the match itself will determine whether United can improve their league position.