Carrick insists Man Utd have moved on from Martinez outburst
Michael Carrick says Manchester United have moved on from Lisandro Martinez's post-match comments, while confirming the defender remains in the squad for Sunday's trip to Leeds.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has insisted the club have moved on from Lisandro Martinez's explosive post-match interview following the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid. Carrick said he is "telling the truth" when he says the squad is unaffected, adding that the group was in a "fantastic place" better than he has seen for a while.
Martinez's comments criticised United's hierarchy and singled out director of football Jason Wilcox. The Argentine has apologised for the timing of the remarks but not for the words themselves, and he did not mention Wilcox by name in his subsequent statement. Carrick confirmed Martinez will be part of the squad for Sunday's Premier League trip to Leeds United at Elland Road.
The fallout has drawn widespread analysis, with former United captain Wayne Rooney leading condemnation and suggesting Martinez could "rip the dressing room apart." Fellow ex-skippers Roy Keane and Gary Neville also weighed in. Carrick dismissed outside opinions, saying ex-pros or others do not necessarily understand the situation inside the club.
Wilcox, appointed director of football after Dan Ashworth's sacking in December 2024, has only spoken publicly once since, to United's own media channel 12 months ago. Carrick declined to say whether Wilcox should address the media, stating he has no problem leading the group and that everyone is in it together.
Carrick said the failure to name Wilcox in the apology is not an issue, adding that Martinez has acknowledged his mistake and that is enough to move on. He emphasised United want passion, emotion and fire from players, but there is a right way to channel it, and the squad must use that intensity positively.
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