Carrick says 'I am telling you the truth' as United seek to move on from Martinez remarks

Michael Carrick said he was "telling you the truth" when he insisted Manchester United had moved on from Lisandro Martinez's post-match comments, speaking in a pre-match media conference at United's Carrington training ground. The remarks followed Martinez's outburst after United's 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.

United have won just one of their opening six Premier League games, and Martinez's comments provoked widespread reaction inside and outside the club. Wayne Rooney led the public criticism, saying the Argentine could "rip the dressing room apart" with his attack on the club's hierarchy, while former United captains Roy Keane and Gary Neville also contributed to the debate. Martinez apologised for the timing of his comments but did not retract the substance of what he said, and his statement brought attention to the club's director of football, Jason Wilcox.

Addressing outside commentary, Carrick said: "There's a lot of people who say a lot of things - ex-pros or not ex-pros - it doesn't necessarily mean they understand what is going on here." He added: "Just because people talk on the outside doesn't mean that is the truth. I am telling you the truth." Carrick used those remarks to push back against analyses that he suggested did not reflect the squad's internal situation.

On the squad's mood, Carrick asserted a positive environment, saying: "The squad today was in a fantastic place, better than I have seen it for a while. That is it, plain and simple. We are living it every day and know what it feels like." He insisted the group remained committed and that the episode had not undermined their preparation. "It [the squad] is not affected, I am telling you," Carrick said.

Martinez had singled out the 'technical director' for criticism in Madrid and later issued a statement that did not name Jason Wilcox. Carrick confirmed Wilcox was involved in discussions with Martinez that led to his latest statement. The article notes Wilcox was appointed director of football following Dan Ashworth's sacking in December 2024.

Wilcox has faced scrutiny previously, with the report stating he was targeted by Ruben Amorim in his final press conference before his dismissal in January. The piece also records that Wilcox has publicly spoken only once since, on United's own media channel, 12 months ago. When asked whether Wilcox should explain his actions to the media, Carrick said: "I don't think it's for me to say whether he should or not," adding: "I've got no problem sitting here, talking to you guys and leading the group, leading the team, leading the football club from this position. We're all in it together."

Carrick called for channelling players' intensity constructively, saying: "We ask for passion, we ask for emotion, we ask for fire and we ask for players to care. There's a way of doing that, and that's already been acknowledged." He repeated that Martinez had "realised he's made a mistake" in timing and that the squad must use its intensity and togetherness in the right way.

Carrick confirmed Martinez would be "part of the squad" for Sunday's Premier League trip to Leeds at Elland Road (14:00 BST).