Manchester United's Carrick: Martinez Outburst Addressed, Focus on Leeds Clash

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick stated that the club has "moved on" from Lisandro Martinez's recent outburst directed at the club's hierarchy. Carrick described the situation as "really not a drama for us as a group." The Argentina defender had criticized the hierarchy of the struggling club following United's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, suggesting that Carrick was left with an under-strength squad. Martinez also reportedly criticized technical director Jason Wilcox, expressing that he had "100 percent" anticipated greater investment during the summer transfer window after Manchester United secured third place in the Premier League last season. Although Martinez is understood to have been fined for his comments, Carrick confirmed he would be part of the squad for Sunday's Premier League match against Leeds.

"It's done, really," Carrick commented at his pre-match press conference on Friday when questioned about Martinez's remarks, his subsequent apology, and any punishment. "We've moved on from that. It was one of those things. He has come out and acknowledged the situation, and as a group we've moved on. It is really not a drama for us as a group. The boys have trained really well; there was a really good feeling around training this morning."

Martinez, aged 28, issued an apology on Thursday, stating that he had engaged in positive discussions with the club's leadership and Carrick. "Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity," he posted on Instagram. "The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the right ones, and for that I want to apologise." Former United captain Roy Keane characterized the situation at his former club as "a bit of a circus."

Manchester United are set to travel to Elland Road, the home ground of one of their most significant rivals, having secured only two victories in nine games across all competitions this season. They currently sit 13th in the Premier League standings with just one win from six matches, and their last fixture ended in a 1-1 draw against a 10-man Tottenham side.