Man Utd players banned from speaking to press after Leeds clash following Martinez’s outburst

Manchester United players were reportedly prevented from speaking to journalists following their 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, amid growing tensions surrounding Lisandro Martinez’s recent criticism of the club’s leadership.

According to The Sun, forward Matheus Cunha and captain Bruno Fernandes indicated that they had not been permitted to address reporters as they passed through the mixed zone after Sunday’s encounter. Their apparent reluctance to speak came just days after Martinez’s outspoken comments about the club’s hierarchy attracted considerable attention.

Fernandes reportedly told waiting journalists, “I can’t speak, I’m not allowed.” Cunha also communicated the situation to a Brazilian reporter, suggesting that players faced restrictions on discussing the team’s latest performance.

The incident has raised questions about Manchester United’s media arrangements following Martinez’s criticism of the club’s leadership. The Argentine defender was reportedly fined after expressing his frustration following United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. He had called for director of football Jason Wilcox to take greater responsibility, adding to speculation about disagreements behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

However, the report clarified that United’s press officers had not issued a specific instruction requiring players to avoid speaking to the written media. This leaves uncertainty over whether the players’ apparent restrictions were part of a broader communication decision or related to individual circumstances surrounding the aftermath of the Leeds match.

Harry Maguire was reportedly the only United player to speak to broadcast rights holders after the draw. The defender also appeared in an interview for the club’s official television station, MUTV, providing one of the few opportunities for supporters to hear directly from a member of the squad.

The result against Leeds further compounded United’s recent difficulties. Michael Carrick’s side have reportedly gone six matches without a victory, increasing pressure on the team to improve its results and restore consistency.

United have also struggled to protect advantages during matches, with the Leeds encounter providing another example of points being dropped after taking the lead. Such setbacks have intensified concerns about the team’s ability to manage games effectively and maintain control during difficult periods.

Carrick defended his players after the final whistle, praising their effort and commitment in what he described as a tense and challenging contest. Nevertheless, the draw offered little relief from the scrutiny surrounding the club’s performances.

With results remaining disappointing and Martinez’s comments continuing to generate discussion, attention has increasingly turned to the atmosphere within the squad and the relationship between players and the club’s leadership.

The reported restrictions on media interviews have added another layer to the situation, although the absence of a confirmed directive from United’s press officers means the precise circumstances remain unclear. Carrick and his players now face mounting pressure to improve results while managing the growing attention surrounding events at Old Trafford.