Manager Michael Carrick has stated that Manchester United have effectively moved past the recent controversy involving defender Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine centre-back publicly criticized the club’s hierarchy following a 2-0 Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid last Tuesday. Martinez claimed the team was under-strength and specifically targeted technical director Jason Wilcox, stating he had expected significantly more investment during the summer transfer window despite the club finishing third in the Premier League last season. Saying he had “100 percent” expected more investment during the summer transfer window after United finished third in the Premier League last season, the centre-back criticised technical director Jason Wilcox.
Addressing the media during his pre-match news conference on Friday, Carrick described the situation as “done” and emphasized that it was “really not a drama for us as a group.” While it is understood that the 28-year-old defender has been fined for his public comments, Carrick confirmed that Martinez remains in contention and will be part of the squad traveling to Elland Road for Sunday’s Premier League match against Leeds.
Martinez issued a formal apology on Thursday via an Instagram post, explaining that his frustration following the defeat led him to air his grievances at an inappropriate time and place. He noted that he had held positive discussions with club leadership and Carrick to address the incident, adding, “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.”.
Despite the club’s attempts to resolve the matter internally, former United captain Roy Keane has been highly critical of the atmosphere at Old Trafford, recently branding the current situation at the club as “a bit of a circus.”
United are currently struggling for form, sitting 13th in the Premier League table. The team has secured only one victory in their opening six league fixtures and enters the weekend following a frustrating 1-1 draw against a 10-man Tottenham side. Overall, the squad has managed just two wins across nine matches in all competitions so far this season, adding pressure to their upcoming rivalry clash.
Carrick reiterated that the focus has shifted entirely to the pitch, noting that the players have been training well and maintaining a positive atmosphere despite the external noise surrounding the club. “We’ve moved on from that. It was one of those things. He has come out and acknowledged the situation, and as a group we’ve moved on,” the manager concluded. The boys have trained really well; there was a really good feeling around training this morning.”.
