Crisis at Manchester United: Players cancel team dinner after Atletico Madrid defeat

Manchester United players have cancelled a planned team dinner on Thursday following their disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils, who finished the match at the Metropolitano Stadium with ten men, slumped to a 2-0 loss, extending their poor run of form.

Michael Carrick's side are now winless in five consecutive matches and sit 13th in the Premier League table, having secured just a single league victory this season. The mood at Old Trafford has been further compounded by a severe injury crisis, which has sidelined Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo, and Benjamin Sesko.

The squad had originally arranged to gather for a meal to build morale ahead of the crucial weekend clash against Leeds United, but the event was called off following another lacklustre performance in Spain.

Tensions at the club also escalated after Lisandro Martinez publicly criticised the club's hierarchy, directing his frustration particularly at technical director Jason Wilcox.

Speaking immediately after the loss to Atletico, the Argentine defender stated:

"We need to bring in more players to be competitive. I expect more from our technical director."

According to The Sun, Martinez's frustration was sparked by the decision to start youngster Ayden Heaven out of position at left-back in a Champions League fixture due to a lack of available defensive options.

Manchester United's hierarchy acted swiftly by handing the defender a fine, while the player issued an apology on his Instagram account, bringing the matter to a close.

"Today, I met with the club's board and the manager. We had a very positive conversation where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after the match. Everyone knows I am a passionate person and live football with great intensity. The frustration of defeat led me to express my emotions in a way and place that were not right, for which I want to apologise. Our club is strongest when we are united, and I recognise that my words at that moment did not help. I am well aware that everyone at Manchester United is doing everything possible to achieve our common goal – to bring the success that the club and the fans deserve. We are putting this situation behind us and are fully focused on winning together."

Despite the apologies and attempts to ease the tension, reports in the British press claim that Martinez intends to leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.