Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes both told reporters in the mixed zone at Elland Road that they were not permitted to give interviews. Fernandes was reported to have said: “I can’t speak, I’m not allowed.”
The apparent restriction came days after Martínez criticised director of football Jason Wilcox following United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atlético Madrid. The Argentine defender had called for greater backing and was subsequently reported to have been fined, before apologising after discussions with manager Michael Carrick and senior club figures.
According to The Sun, there was no specific instruction from United’s press officers directing players to avoid the written media. However, the unusual lack of access prompted questions about whether the club was seeking to avoid a repeat of Martínez’s remarks.
United players commonly stop in the mixed zone after matches unless accompanied by a press officer. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens previously spoke to reporters without a staff member present after a draw with West Ham United in February.
At Elland Road, Harry Maguire was the only United player to speak to broadcast rights holders after the final whistle. He also gave an interview to the club’s own channel, MUTV.
The draw extended United’s winless run to six matches in all competitions. They have won only once in seven Premier League games and sit 13th in the table, after again surrendering points from a winning position.
United had taken the lead through Bryan Mbeumo in the first half, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised after the interval. It was another match in which Carrick’s side failed to protect an advantage, adding to frustration around a campaign that has yet to gather momentum.
Martínez was substituted at half-time with a thigh problem, but Carrick said the change was injury-related rather than disciplinary. The club had accepted the defender’s apology before the Leeds match, and he remained in the starting line-up.
Manchester United’s next assignment is a Champions League trip to Como, with the media-access episode adding another layer of scrutiny to a difficult start under Carrick.