Manchester Utd have ‘moved on’ from Martinez outburst, says Carrick

What the report says

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said the club had put Lisandro Martinez’s public criticism of the hierarchy behind them ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds. According to Al Jazeera’s report, Martinez directed frustration at the club after United’s 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, arguing that the squad had not been strengthened enough and naming technical director Jason Wilcox in his comments.

Carrick told reporters on Friday that the matter was settled within the squad and was “not a drama” for the team. The article says Martinez later apologized, saying his emotions after the defeat had led him to speak at the wrong time and place. It was also reported that he had held positive talks with club officials and Carrick.

The piece adds that Martinez was understood to have been fined and that Carrick expected him to be available for the Leeds match. Former United captain Roy Keane, meanwhile, described the episode as making the club look like “a circus.”

The context matters because United have struggled this season, with only two wins in nine games in all competitions and one win from six league matches. Their visit to Elland Road also comes against a major rival, increasing the pressure around a team already sitting 13th in the table.