The short version
- Michael Carrick asserts that Manchester United players are focused and unaffected by external criticism regarding Lisandro Martinez's recent comments.
- Martinez has apologized for the timing of his remarks about club management but maintains the substance of his concerns was valid.
- United face Leeds United while dealing with significant injury absences, including striker Benjamin Sesko, who remains sidelined.
Michael Carrick has moved to reassure supporters and media that Manchester United's squad remains cohesive despite a public dispute involving defender Lisandro Martinez. The head coach stated firmly that he is speaking honestly when claiming the team has moved past the fallout from Martinez's explosive comments made earlier this week. This assurance comes as United prepare for a crucial Premier League match against Leeds United, aiming to break a five-match winless run that has intensified scrutiny on the club's direction.
The controversy began after Martinez criticized the club's hierarchy following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. His remarks drew sharp condemnation from former players and pundits, including Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, and Gary Neville, who warned that such behavior could damage team morale. However, Carrick dismissed these external analyses, noting that those speaking from outside the club do not necessarily understand the internal dynamics or the current state of the dressing room.
Martinez has issued an apology regarding the timing of his statements but has not retracted the content of his criticism. The focus of his discontent appeared to be on Jason Wilcox, the director of football, although Martinez did not name him explicitly in his subsequent statement. Wilcox, who took over the role after Dan Ashworth's dismissal in December 2024, has remained largely out of the public eye since assuming his position, having spoken publicly only once a year ago.
Carrick emphasized that the squad is in a positive mental state, describing it as better than he has seen in some time. He acknowledged that passion and emotion are essential qualities for players but stressed that there must be an appropriate way to express them. The manager indicated that the group has recognized the error in Martinez's approach and is now focused on channeling their intensity into performance rather than internal conflict.
The timing of this dispute is particularly challenging for Carrick, as United have not gone six games without a victory since the end of the 2018-19 season. The current winless streak includes poor results in both domestic and European competitions, raising questions about the stability of his tenure. Despite the pressure, Carrick insisted that his personal future is not his primary concern, framing the situation as a collective responsibility for the entire organization rather than an individual burden.
Injury issues continue to complicate United's tactical options ahead of the trip to Elland Road. The lengthy injury list forced the use of Ayden Heaven at left-back during the recent Champions League fixture, a decision that contributed to Martinez's frustration. Luke Shaw remains unavailable due to injury, further limiting defensive depth. Additionally, striker Benjamin Sesko, a significant summer signing from RB Leipzig, is still sidelined with a recurring shin injury.
Sesko has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season after suffering the injury setback during an EFL Cup match against Brighton last month. Carrick provided no specific timeline for the Slovenian forward's return, noting that he is still undergoing medical checks. The absence of such key players underscores the physical challenges the squad faces alongside the psychological pressure of recent results.
Martinez has been confirmed as part of the squad for the upcoming match against Leeds, signaling that disciplinary measures have not resulted in his exclusion from selection. Carrick indicated that he does not view Martinez's failure to mention Wilcox by name in his apology as a significant issue, preferring to focus on moving forward. The manager's stance suggests a desire to contain the narrative within the club and prevent external voices from influencing player morale.
The match against Leeds represents an opportunity for United to demonstrate resilience and unity. Carrick's public defense of the squad's spirit aims to shift attention away from administrative disputes and back to on-pitch performance. Whether the team can translate this claimed internal stability into a victory remains to be seen, but the manager's confidence in the group's current environment is clear.
As United travel to Yorkshire, the broader implications of Martinez's comments will likely continue to be debated by pundits and fans. However, Carrick's message is one of continuity and focus. He has positioned himself as a stabilizing force, willing to absorb media pressure while protecting the players from external noise. The coming weeks will test whether this approach can yield the results necessary to secure his position and restore confidence in the project.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗'I am telling you the truth' - Carrick on Martinez fallout
