{
  "id": 15406982,
  "title": "Lisandro Martinez survives United backlash, starts at Leeds despite explosive hierarchy comments",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/lisandro-martinez-survives-united-backlash-starts-at-leeds-despite",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T12:15:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/10/18/lisandro-martinez-survives-united-backlash-starts-at-leeds-despite-explosive-hierarchy-comments/239645"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lisandro Martinez defied Manchester United's internal backlash to be named in the starting lineup for their upcoming Premier League match against Leeds. The Argentine defender sparked controversy earlier in the week by criticizing United's managerial hierarchy, specifically targeting the club's technical director, Jason Wilcox. Following United's 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, Martinez accused the club's chief boss, Michael Carrick, of fielding an under-strength squad. He further criticized the technical director, stating he had \"100 per cent\" expected more investment from United during the summer transfer window following the team's third-place finish in the Premier League last season.\n\nIt is reported that Martinez issued an apology on Thursday for his remarks. However, despite the fallout, Carrick confirmed during a pre-match press conference on Friday that Martinez would be included in the squad for their upcoming league fixture against Leeds. True to his word, Martinez started alongside the team in their pursuit of just the third win in their last ten games this season. The team has been struggling, having gone five matches without a victory in all competitions and currently sits in 14th place in the Premier League. A loss to Leeds would add more pressure on Carrick ahead of their upcoming Champions League trip to Como.",
  "summary": "LEEDS, Oct 18 — Lisandro Martinez was named in Manchester United’s starting line-up to face Leeds today desp...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "War of the Roses! How to watch Leeds United vs Man Utd",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/war-of-the-roses-how-to-watch-leeds-united-vs-man-utd",
        "published": "2026-10-18T06:44:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}