Manchester United’s head coach, Michael Carrick, has reassured fans that Lisandro Martinez’s recent comments regarding the club’s management have not caused any issues within the team. Martinez had stirred some controversy following a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League when he expressed his concerns about the club’s leadership. While he later apologized for when he said it, he didn’t take back his criticism or mention the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox.
The situation caught the attention of many former players, including Wayne Rooney, who cautioned that such statements could lead to problems in the dressing room. Both Roy Keane and Gary Neville also spoke out about the incident. Despite this, Carrick emphasized that the team remains in good spirits and focused, regardless of the external noise.
Carrick said, “Just because people talk on the outside doesn’t make it true. I’m telling you the truth; the squad is in a fantastic place, better than I’ve seen in a while.” He acknowledged that players sometimes express strong emotions, especially when they care deeply about the club, but insisted that Martinez’s comments have not affected the team’s harmony.
He added, “Sometimes someone might say something that’s not ideal at that moment, but it doesn’t take away from what we’re trying to build here and the positive atmosphere in the group.” Carrick also confirmed that Martinez would be part of the squad for their upcoming Premier League match against Leeds, indicating that the defender is still in his plans despite the recent turmoil.
When asked if Martinez should have specifically mentioned Wilcox in his remarks, Carrick suggested that it wasn’t necessary to dwell on the issue. “He’s acknowledged his mistake, and that’s enough for us to move forward,” he stated.
Wilcox, who took over as director of football in December 2024, has previously faced scrutiny. Carrick was asked if Wilcox should address the situation himself but chose not to comment on that. “I think that’s for him to decide,” Carrick said, emphasizing his own role in taking charge of team matters.
Carrick prefers to focus on using any passion or frustration within the team to fuel their performance on the field. He stated that while they encourage players to show emotion and intensity, it must be channeled in a way that fosters teamwork. “We ask for passion and fire, and there’s a way to express that. We need to carry that intensity and spirit together as a group,” he concluded.
