Michael Carrick has declared the situation with Lisandro Martínez resolved, confirming the defender will be in the Manchester United squad for Sunday's Premier League match at Leeds United. The manager insisted the club had moved on from the player's public criticism of director of football Jason Wilcox earlier this week.
Martínez made headlines after Tuesday's Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid, where he called for more investment from the club's technical director. The Argentine met with club executives, including Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, on Thursday to apologise for the timing and public nature of his comments. Carrick addressed the matter in a press conference on Friday, stating the apology was sufficient to draw a line under the incident.
"He's released his statement and realised he made a mistake," Carrick said. "That's enough for us to move on with."
Carrick's calm defence
The United boss was adamant the episode had not damaged squad morale, despite external criticism from former players like Wayne Rooney, who suggested the comments could "rip the dressing room apart". Carrick repeatedly emphasised a positive atmosphere within the camp.
"It's really not a drama for us as a group," he stated. "The boys have trained really well. This morning there was a really good feeling around the squad … so we've moved on pretty quickly." When a journalist suggested they would have to take him at his word, Carrick interjected with a smile. "I'm telling you the truth when I say that," he said. "The players totally believe me. The squad today was in a fantastic place, better than I've seen it for a while, actually."
Pressure builds ahead of Elland Road
The controversy arrives during a difficult spell for Carrick's side, who are without a win in five matches across all competitions. They sit 13th in the Premier League with six points from their opening six games, following a 1-1 draw with Tottenham last weekend. Their trip to face a Leeds side that has lost just once this season presents a stern test.
Carrick deflected questions about his own job security, framing the need for a result as a collective imperative. "I don't need results, we all need results," he said. "It's not about me. Manchester United is a lot bigger than any individual, bigger than me, bigger than any player." He acknowledged the unique intensity of the fixture, describing it as a "great rivalry" with "big history between the clubs".
Underlying issues remain
While the immediate squad issue appears settled, broader questions about United's recruitment strategy and on-pitch consistency persist. The team's defence has been a particular concern, conceding nine goals in six league games despite an attack that has registered the most shots and touches in the opposition box in the division. Carrick must now integrate new signing Carlos Baleba, who has impressed in his first two appearances but arrived carrying an injury.
The manager also sidestepped a question about whether Wilcox should communicate more publicly, stating it was not his place to say. "I've got no problem sitting here, talking to you guys and leading the group, leading the team, leading the football club from this position," Carrick concluded. "We're all in it together." His immediate task is to translate that unity into a positive result at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.
Read the full report at theguardian.com
