Michael Carrick insists Man United have moved on from Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick insisted the club has “moved on” from Lisandro Martinez’s explosive post-match comments after the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid. In his pre-match media briefing, Carrick said: “I am telling you the truth”, adding that the squad is in “a fantastic place”.

Handling Martinez’s fallout

Carrick confirmed Martinez will be part of the squad for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds at Elland Road (14:00 BST). The coach argued that Martinez’s apology for when he spoke is enough, even if he hasn’t backed away from the substance of his remarks.

Wayne Rooney led the criticism, saying the defender could “rip the dressing room apart” with his attack on United’s hierarchy, while Roy Keane and Gary Neville also weighed in. Carrick also declined to say whether Jason Wilcox should be the one to explain himself to the media, saying the club has to move forward together.

Leeds visit amid pressure

United head to Leeds on the back of a five-match run without a win, and Carrick stressed the issue isn’t about him but about the club’s standards. The wider context to Martinez’s outburst included United’s long injury list in Madrid, with Ayden Heaven playing left-back and Luke Shaw missing.

Carrick also gave no clear timetable for Benjamin Šeško, who is yet to start a Premier League game this season after suffering a recurrence of a shin injury. BBC Sport reports Carrick is trying to shut down the negative headlines before the trip.