Manchester United players were barred from speaking to the media after Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United, according to The Sun. The restriction comes after Lisandro Martinez publicly criticized the club's board last week. The Argentine defender was fined for demanding greater investment in the team following their Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid.
According to the report, Bruno Fernandes stated that he was not permitted to give interviews as he passed through the mixed zone at Elland Road. The mixed zone is where players interact with journalists after matches.
"I can't speak, I don't have permission," Bruno Fernandes told reporters, according to The Sun.
The Sun also reported that players were instructed not to give interviews. However, the newspaper emphasized that Manchester United press officers did not explicitly instruct players to avoid print journalists.
Harry Maguire was the only Manchester United player to give an interview following the draw with Leeds United. The defender spoke to broadcasters with rights to the match and the club's official channel, MUTV.
The restrictions revealed by the newspaper come days after internal tension caused by Lisandro Martinez's criticism of the Manchester United board. Following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid last Tuesday, the Argentine defender called for increased investment from the club and directly questioned the work of football director Jason Wilcox.
Lisandro Martinez said at the time: "Of course, I want more, 100% more. I want our sporting director to do more. As players, we also have to do more, but building a strong squad is also very important to be ready for nights like this."
According to English media reports, these statements resulted in the defender being fined. Lisandro Martinez subsequently met with head coach Carrick and management representatives and issued a public apology. The club accepted his apology, and the coach stated that the matter had been resolved internally.
Lisandro Martinez wrote on social media: "The frustration after the loss made me express my feelings at what was perhaps not the right time and place. Therefore, I want to apologize."
Manchester United have endured a difficult season. After drawing with Leeds United, the team has gone six consecutive matches without a win across all competitions. In the Premier League, Manchester United have collected only 7 points from 7 matches, securing just one victory and sitting in 13th place.
Carrick's team will face Como in the Champions League on Thursday. On Sunday, Manchester United will host Bournemouth at Old Trafford to continue their Premier League campaign.
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