Carrick Backs United Squad as Martinez Returns for Leeds Trip

Michael Carrick has moved to draw a line under the Carrick Martinez fallout, insisting the Manchester United dressing room has not been unsettled by Lisandro Martinez’s post-match criticism of the club’s hierarchy and confirming the defender remains part of his plans for Sunday’s trip to Leeds.

Martinez made his feelings clear after United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, taking aim at the technical director. He apologised for the timing of the remarks rather than their content, and the club fined him. The episode placed fresh scrutiny on director of football Jason Wilcox, who has spoken publicly only once in the past 12 months, through United’s own media channel.

Carrick insists morale is intact

Speaking at Carrington before the Premier League fixture at Elland Road, Carrick described the squad as being in a fantastic place — better than it has been for some time. He said the controversy had not affected the group and that he was telling the truth about the mood inside the camp. Outside commentary, he suggested, does not necessarily reflect an understanding of the situation.

Carrick added that Martinez had recognised his mistake and that the player’s statement was sufficient for the matter to be closed. The defender is available for selection against Leeds. Carrick also made clear he has no problem leading the club and speaking to the media, and that he did not believe Wilcox needed to explain himself publicly.

Former players weigh in

The comments drew condemnation from former United figures. Wayne Rooney, a close friend of Carrick, said Martinez could rip the dressing room apart. Roy Keane and Gary Neville also commented on the situation. Martinez’s outburst was reportedly triggered by the club’s lengthy injury list, which forced Ayden Heaven to play at left-back in Madrid, with Luke Shaw missing the Atletico game through injury.

Injury concerns and pressure

Carrick was unable to put a timescale on Benjamin Sesko’s return. The forward, signed from RB Leipzig for £74m in August 2025, suffered a recurrence of a shin injury in last month’s EFL Cup defeat to Brighton and is still undergoing checks. He is yet to start a Premier League game this season and is considered further away from a comeback.

United travel to Leeds on a five-match winless run in all competitions. They have not gone six games without a win since the end of the 2018-19 season. Carrick, whose future is under scrutiny, said results are needed by everyone and that the club is bigger than any individual. He stressed that all are in it together.