Lisandro Martinez will be allowed to feature for Manchester United against Leeds this weekend despite being fined by the club following his controversial post-match comments after the defeat to Atletico Madrid, according to reports from BBC Sport.

The Argentine centre-back caused a stir on Tuesday night when, speaking in the wake of United's loss at the Metropolitano, he criticised the club's lack of activity in the summer transfer window and questioned the effort of some of his team-mates during the match. The remarks were reportedly not well received within the dressing room, with accounts suggesting at least one player confronted Martinez on the flight home to Manchester.

The fallout from the interview led to speculation that head coach could leave Martinez out of the squad for the upcoming fixture against Leeds as a disciplinary measure. However, while United have moved to sanction the defender financially, he has not been barred from selection and remains available for Saturday's match.

In the aftermath of the incident, Martinez took to social media to issue a public apology for his comments. Writing on Instagram, he said: "Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity. The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the right ones, and for that I want to apologise. Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not help with that."

The statement followed a meeting between Martinez and senior figures at the club, including head coach, as United sought to manage the situation internally before it escalated further. The decision to fine but not suspend the player appears to reflect an attempt to draw a line under the episode while still addressing the breach of conduct.

Whether Martinez actually starts at Elland Road remains a separate question, one that will ultimately rest with the club's coaching staff. His standing within the squad, and how team-mates respond to his continued presence in the dressing room this week, could factor into that decision just as much as tactical considerations.

Beyond the immediate disciplinary matter, the incident has placed a spotlight on Martinez's uncertain long-term future at Old Trafford. The defender is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, with no clarity yet on whether United intend to offer him fresh terms, or whether he himself would be willing to sign an extension if one were presented. The events of this week, both his outspoken criticism and the reaction it provoked from team-mates, may yet have a bearing on those conversations as the campaign progresses.

For now, attention turns to Leeds, where United will be looking to respond on the pitch after a difficult week off it. The club will hope that the swift handling of the Martinez situation, a fine followed by a public apology, allows the squad to refocus on results rather than the internal friction that followed the Atletico defeat. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether the defender is restored to the starting line-up, and how his team-mates react to his involvement after the tension of recent days.

Based on reporting from Standard Sport.