Carrick insists Manchester United 'moved on' from Martinez outburst as Leeds test looms
Carrick draws a line under Martinez rant
Michael Carrick has insisted Manchester United have "moved on" from Lisandro Martinez's explosive post-match criticism of the club, declaring the squad is unified and in a "fantastic place" ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting with rivals Leeds United.
The Argentina defender's interview after United's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid — a result that stretched their winless run to five games — caused a stir when he suggested there had not been sufficient investment in the squad and singled out technical director Jason Wilcox, saying "we expect more from the top." Martinez later issued an apology, stating he had spoken to the club and that the matter was resolved internally. Reporting on 16 October indicated the defender was fined by the club over the outburst.
The remarks drew broader scrutiny of United's direction under Carrick. In a report dated 15 October, former United captain Roy Keane branded the club a "circus" in the wake of Martinez's attack on the hierarchy, while coverage on 14 October saw pundits Jamie Carragher label the defender's comments "awful" and Wayne Rooney say Martinez had gone too far and disrespected his team-mates.
Carrick, though, is adamant the episode is closed and the group remains focused.
"I think it's just come out and acknowledged the situation, and, as a group, we've moved on," Carrick said. "It's really not drama for us as a group.
"There's a lot of people who say a lot of things – ex-pros or not ex-pros – it doesn't necessarily mean they understand what is going on here. The players totally believe me. Just because people talk on the outside doesn't mean that is the truth. I am telling you the truth. The squad was in a fantastic place [in training on Friday], better than I have seen it for a while. That is it, plain and simple. We are living it every day and know what it feels like.
"We are emotional and care a lot. Sometimes someone says something that maybe you shouldn't say at that certain time, but it doesn't distract us from what we are creating here and the environment and spirit within the group. It [the squad] is not affected, I am telling you. We are in a good place, and I am really happy with the boys. I think there was a good reaction."
Asked whether Martinez is available for Sunday, Carrick added simply: "He is part of the squad."
Pressure builds despite defiant mood
United travel to Leeds with the pressure rising on Carrick, whose side sit on just six points from six top-flight games in the 2026-27 Premier League season (W1 D3 L2) — their lowest return after six league games since 1986-87 under Ron Atkinson, who had four points at the same stage. For a second consecutive campaign, the Red Devils have kept no clean sheets in their opening six matches, the first time they have done so in back-to-back seasons since 1930-31 and 1931-32, and they are without a win in their last four Premier League games.
History, at least, favours them at Elland Road: United are unbeaten in their last seven away games against Leeds in all competitions (W5 D2) since losing 1-0 in the Premier League in September 2002.
Carrick, however, stressed that any response must be about the club rather than the individual under fire.
"I don't need results. We all need results. It is not about me," he said. "Manchester United is a lot bigger than any individual, bigger than me, bigger than any player and anyone else who works at this club.
"It is not about me. I don't go into work every day thinking about this situation thinking about me. It is not about me and not about any individual players; it is about the football club. What we stand for and what we live for and the history and things we need to live up to – that is what drives us. Whatever is best for the club and the team on Sunday is the most important thing; it is not about me."