Carriq: We Have Moved Past Martinez's Comments

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick confirmed that his team has “moved on” from the controversy surrounding Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez’s comments targeting the club’s management this week, stating that the matter “is not an issue for us as a group.” Martinez had criticized the club’s leadership following United’s 2-0 defeat to Spanish side Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, arguing that Carrick was left with a squad lacking sufficient depth. The center-back also directed criticism at head coach Jason Wilcox, saying he “expected by 100 percent” further investment during the summer transfer window after United finished third in the English Premier League last season. The player was fined for his remarks, but Carrick confirmed that Martinez would be included in the “Red Devils” lineup for today’s match against Leeds United. Speaking at his press conference yesterday, when asked about Martinez’s comments, the subsequent apology, and the penalty, Carrick said, “It’s already over.” He added, “We’ve moved on. It was one of those things. He came out, acknowledged the situation, and as a group we’ve moved past it.” The manager continued, “This is not a problem for us as a group. The players trained very well, and there was a very positive feeling during training sessions.” Martinez, 28, issued an apology on Thursday, stating that he had held positive discussions with the club’s leadership and Carrick. He wrote on his Instagram account: “Everyone knows I am a passionate person who lives football with great enthusiasm.” He added, “The frustration from the defeat led me to express what I was feeling at a time and place that perhaps were not the most appropriate, and for that I would like to apologize.” Former United captain Roy Kin described the situation at his former club as “a bit like a circus.”