'I am telling you the truth' - Carrick on Martinez fallout
Retold by Oddsrama · 16 October 2026
Michael Carrick has pushed back hard against the noise surrounding Lisandro Martinez's outburst this week, insisting that Manchester United's dressing room remains solid and focused. The Argentine defender's post-match criticism of the club's hierarchy following the 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid sparked a firestorm of commentary, with Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, and Gary Neville all weighing in on whether the comments could destabilise the squad. But Carrick isn't buying it. Speaking at his pre-match presser ahead of Sunday's trip to Leeds, the United boss made it clear that outside voices don't reflect the reality on the ground at Carrington.
Carrick acknowledged that Martinez stepped out of line with his timing, though the defender has only apologised for when he spoke, not what he said. However, the head coach stressed that plenty of people pontificate from the sidelines without truly understanding what's happening inside the club. He emphasised that the squad is in better spirits than it has been in some time, and that occasional emotional outbursts don't derail the collective environment or team spirit being built. For those tracking United's form and confidence levels, Carrick's assertion that the group remains undistracted could be significant—a squad pulling together despite external drama often performs better than one fractured by discontent.
Martinez will travel with the squad to Elland Road, confirming he remains very much part of Carrick's plans moving forward. The message is clear: one player's post-match vent won't derail United's momentum, and the Red Devils are expecting to move past this quickly and focus on results.
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