Manchester United players were prevented from speaking to the media after Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United, according to The Sun.
The reported restriction follows Lisandro Martinez’s public criticism of the club’s board last week, after which the Argentina defender was fined for calling for greater investment in the squad.
Bruno Fernandes said he had not been given permission to conduct interviews as he walked through the mixed zone at Elland Road, where players usually speak to journalists after matches.
“I can’t speak, I don’t have permission,” Fernandes told reporters, according to The Sun.
The newspaper said players had been instructed not to give interviews, although Manchester United press officers did not specifically tell them to avoid print journalists.
Harry Maguire was the only Manchester United player to speak after the match. He gave interviews to broadcasters holding rights to the fixture and to the club’s official channel, MUTV.
The media restrictions were reported days after tensions emerged over comments made by Martinez following Manchester United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid last Tuesday.
The defender called for more investment in the team and questioned the contribution of football director Jason Wilcox.
“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,” Martinez said.
English media reports said Martinez was fined as a result of those remarks. He later met head coach Carrick and representatives of the club’s management before issuing a public apology.
Manchester United accepted the apology, while Carrick said the matter had been dealt with internally.
“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,” Martinez wrote on social media.
Manchester United’s difficult season continued with the draw against Leeds United. They have now gone six matches without a victory in all competitions.
In the Premier League, Manchester United have taken only 7 points from 7 matches. They have won once and are 13th in the table.
Carrick’s side next face Como in the Champions League on Thursday before hosting Bournemouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.
