Michael Carrick played down Lisandro Martínez’s decision not to publicly apologise to Jason Wilcox after the defender criticised Manchester United’s director of football following Tuesday’s loss to Atlético Madrid.
After the 2-0 Champions League defeat, Martínez directly addressed Wilcox, saying: “I expect more from our technical director.”
Martínez released an apology on Thursday, but neither named Wilcox nor retracted his central point that the squad required further investment. “The disappointment of losing caused me to share my feelings at a moment and in a setting that may not have been appropriate, and I apologise for that,” he said.
Asked whether he respected Martínez for not apologising directly to Wilcox, Carrick said: “He has issued a statement and accepted that he made an error. That is enough for everyone here to put the matter behind us.”
Carrick was also asked whether Martínez should have apologised to Wilcox and withdrawn his broader remarks about investment instead of expressing regret only over when and where he spoke. “As far as we are concerned, recognising what happened has been sufficient,” he replied. “We have moved forward and have no intention of revisiting it.”
Carrick confirmed that Martínez was available for Sunday’s visit to Leeds. United approach the match with only six points from their first six league fixtures. Brighton eliminated them from the Carabao Cup last month, while their Champions League campaign has produced one victory and one defeat. With poor results adding to the pressure on Carrick, he was asked whether Martínez’s remarks had irritated him or created an unwelcome distraction.
“No, I understand that emotions can take over,” he said. “We want passion, determination, energy and players who genuinely care. Those qualities must be expressed in the proper manner, and that has already been recognised. Now we need to channel that intensity, commitment, unity and spirit positively as a team.”
Wayne Rooney, United’s all-time leading scorer, suggested that Martínez’s remarks could “tear the dressing room apart”. Carrick was asked whether the situation might instead strengthen the squad’s unity.
“Many different situations can influence a group in different ways,” Carrick said before pointing to his team’s response after conceding during the opening minute against Atlético. “It is among the most difficult venues to visit in the Champions League. Falling behind so quickly and then reacting as we did demonstrated the belief, character and togetherness within this team.”
He suggested that the week’s developments, both on and away from the field, had strengthened the squad. “Some circumstances can unite a group, and that has certainly happened as the week has gone on. The players are in a very positive place at the moment.”
Asked why people outside the club, including former players such as Rooney who criticised Martínez, should accept that the squad remained united, Carrick said: “Plenty of people offer opinions, but being a former professional does not automatically mean you know what is happening inside the club. I am being honest with you. The squad was in an excellent place on Friday, better than I have seen for some time.”
Carrick added that Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo would undergo fitness checks.
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