Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has said the club has moved past Lisandro Martinez’s criticism of its leadership, insisting the incident has not caused a major problem within the squad.
Carrick confirmed on Friday that the Argentine defender would be included in Manchester United’s squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash against bitter rivals Leeds United.
Martinez criticised the club’s hierarchy after United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. He suggested Carrick had been left with an under-strength squad and expressed disappointment over the club’s recruitment plans.
The 28-year-old also took aim at technical director Jason Wilcox, saying he had “100 percent” expected greater investment during the summer transfer window after United finished third in the Premier League last season.
Martinez reportedly received a fine for his comments and issued an apology on Thursday after holding what he described as positive discussions with the club’s leadership and Carrick.
“We’ve moved on from that; it was one of those things,” Carrick said during Friday’s press conference. “I think Licha (Martinez) has come out and acknowledged the situation, and as a group we’ve moved on.”
The United manager added that the incident had not disrupted the team’s preparations.
“It’s really not a drama for us as a group; I think the boys have trained really well. This morning there was a really good feeling around the squad,” he said.
In his apology, Martinez acknowledged that his frustration following the defeat had influenced his decision to speak out.
“Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity,” he wrote in a statement posted on Instagram.
“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.”
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane had described the situation at the club as “a bit of a circus”.
Asked about the nature of Martinez’s apology, which did not mention Wilcox by name, Carrick said the defender had acknowledged his mistake and that the matter should now be put behind them.
“I think he (Martinez) has released his statement and he’s realised he’s made a mistake,” Carrick said. “I think that’s enough for all of us to move on with.”
The manager also recognised the emotions involved in football, stressing that players should continue to show passion while respecting the right way to express their frustrations.
“I understand the emotion at times. We ask for passion, we ask for emotion, we ask for fire, and we ask for players to care,” he said.
Carrick added that the squad needed to maintain its intensity, unity and team spirit as it looks to improve its performances.
Manchester United have endured their worst start to a league season in 40 years, sitting 13th in the Premier League with just one win from their opening six matches.
However, Carrick played down questions about the pressure on him personally, insisting the club’s success matters more than any individual.
“I don’t need results; we all need results,” he said. “It’s not about me. Manchester United is a lot bigger than any individual, bigger than me.”
He added that the club would always be bigger than any player or staff member.
