Michael Carrick returned to the media room at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground on Friday with a clear message: the club’s unity remains intact despite Lisandro Martínez’s recent outburst. The former midfielder‑turned‑coach was ready to address questions about Martínez’s interview, in which the defender criticised the club’s director of football Jason Wilcox and questioned the squad’s readiness after a 2‑0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
Carrick opened by saying the team had “moved on” and that the squad was in good spirits after training. He added that while some remarks might have been ill‑timed, they did not disturb the environment or the collective spirit. When asked whether Martínez’s comments could tear the dressing room apart, Carrick dismissed the idea and suggested the controversy might actually galvanise the players. The club’s leadership, however, remains uneasy, with sources indicating that the real concern is Martínez’s choice to air his criticism publicly rather than privately with club officials.
The incident has already been resolved: after discussions with Carrick, Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, Martínez issued an apology, accepted a fine and will be available for the upcoming match against Leeds United at Elland Road. The club’s new Carrington complex, completed in August 2025, was designed to foster closer communication between executives and players, a shift from the previous model where senior staff worked from offices in the east stand. The “bizarre” decision to go public, according to insiders, undermined this integrated approach.
Carrick has defended his team’s performance amid a difficult start to the campaign, insisting that mistakes are part of the game and that he is responsible for guiding the squad. He has also highlighted the club’s financial constraints, noting that United’s budget of around £120 million was stretched to sign players such as Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £155 million. With over £1 billion in debt, the club cannot match the spending power of rivals like Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool.
Looking ahead, Martínez’s contract runs until 2027, with the club holding an option for an additional year. His future will be reassessed in January, but for now the focus is on maintaining cohesion. United’s next test comes against Leeds United, a side that has remained unbeaten at home since March. A victory would be a crucial step for a team that has gone five games without a win, and Carrick remains confident that the squad can deliver when it matters most.