Manchester United’s new manager Michael Carrick has insisted that the club has moved past the controversy surrounding Lisandro Martinez’s post‑match comments after the 2‑0 loss to Atlético Madrid. Speaking at the Carrington training ground before the team’s Premier League fixture at Leeds, Carrick said he was “telling the truth” and that the squad remained focused and united. He added that the players were in a “fantastic place” and that Martinez would still be part of the squad for the upcoming match.
The incident began when Martinez, who had been a late addition to United’s defensive line due to a long injury list, criticised the club’s hierarchy in a heated interview. The Argentine’s remarks, which targeted the director of football Jason Wilcox, sparked a wave of condemnation from former United captains Roy Keane and Gary Neville, as well as from teammate Wayne Rooney. Martinez later issued an apology for the timing of his comments but did not retract the content itself. Carrick noted that while the outburst had attracted media attention, it had not disrupted the team’s internal environment.
Carrick also addressed the question of whether Wilcox should explain Martinez’s conduct. He declined to comment on Wilcox’s role, stating that he was focused on leading the club and that the team’s unity was paramount. “We’re all in it together,” he said, emphasizing that the club’s collective identity outweighed individual concerns. He added that the squad’s emotional intensity and passion were essential qualities that the team would continue to nurture.
The Red Devils are heading to Elland Road after a five‑match winless streak, the longest since the end of the 2018‑19 season. Carrick acknowledged the pressure but insisted that results were not about him personally. “It’s not about me,” he said, stressing that Manchester United’s history and values were the real drivers. He also highlighted the need for the team to maintain its intensity and spirit, particularly as the club faces a challenging run of fixtures.
In related news, United’s new striker Benjamin Sesko remains sidelined after a recurrence of a shin injury that halted his season. Carrick confirmed that Sesko was still undergoing medical checks and that no definitive timeline for his return could be provided. The forward, signed from RB Leipzig for £74 million last summer, has yet to start a Premier League match this campaign. As United prepares for the Leeds trip, the club remains focused on restoring form and cohesion amid the backdrop of recent controversies.