Michael Carrick said Manchester United have “moved on” from Lisandro Martinez’s public criticism of the club’s hierarchy, calling it “really not a drama for us as a group.” Speaking at his pre-match news conference on Friday, Carrick said the Argentina defender would be in the squad for the Premier League match at Leeds on Sunday.
Martinez made his comments after United lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. He said Carrick had been left with an under-strength squad and criticised technical director Jason Wilcox, saying he had expected more investment in the summer transfer window. It is understood Martinez has been fined for his remarks.
Martinez apologises after criticising club leadership
Martinez, 28, issued an apology on Thursday, saying he had held positive talks with the club’s leadership and Carrick. In an Instagram post, he said he was a passionate person who lives football with great intensity. He added that the frustration of the defeat had led him to voice his feelings at the wrong time and place, and he apologised for that.
Former United captain Roy Keane described the situation at his old club as “a bit of a circus.”
Carrick says squad is focused ahead of Leeds trip
When asked about Martinez’s comments and punishment, Carrick said, “It’s done, really.” He said the group had moved on and that the players had trained well, with a good feeling around training that morning.
United travel to Elland Road, home of one of their fiercest rivals, with just two wins from nine games in all competitions this season. They are 13th in the Premier League, having won only one of their last six matches. Their most recent league game ended 1-1 against 10-man Tottenham.
