Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick confirmed on Friday that the club have resolved the controversy involving defender Lisandro Martinez, after the Argentina international issued an apology for publicly criticising the club's hierarchy in the wake of their UEFA Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. Martinez's comments threatened to destabilise the squad ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road.

What Martinez Said and Why It Caused a Stir

Following United's 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, Martinez openly questioned the club's squad investment, suggesting Carrick had been left working with an under-equipped group. The 28-year-old also called on technical director Jason Wilcox to take greater action. The remarks drew swift attention, with the timing — immediately after a high-profile European defeat — amplifying the fallout.

Martinez subsequently met with the club's leadership and Carrick, after which he acknowledged that his words were spoken out of frustration and publicly apologised. In his statement, the defender admitted the defeat had prompted him to voice his views at an inappropriate moment.

Carrick's Response: 'No Drama for Us'

'It's done, really. We've moved on from that. It's one of those things. Licha has come out and acknowledged the situation, and, as a group, we have moved on. There's no drama for us as a group,' Carrick said during his pre-match press conference.

The head coach described the conversation with Martinez as straightforward. 'We all understood the situation and what it meant. Licha has given a statement and acknowledged that it was a mistake on his part. That was it, really,' he added. Carrick also confirmed that Martinez would travel with the squad and remains available for selection against Leeds.

Training Atmosphere Ahead of Leeds Fixture

Carrick pointed to the quality of Friday's training session as evidence that the squad's morale remains intact despite a difficult run of results. 'We've trained really well this morning; there's a really good feeling around the squad. They're in really good spirits and trained really well,' he said.

He elaborated further, noting a notable freshness about the group: 'There is a really good feeling within the group, within the club, from the inside. Results-wise, it has not gone to plan, but the spirit and togetherness — today was one of the best training sessions we have had.'

Bigger Picture: United's Rocky Season

The Martinez episode is symptomatic of broader tensions at Old Trafford. Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the campaign, and the 2-0 Champions League reversal against Atletico Madrid added to mounting pressure on the squad. Notably, public player dissent of this kind — however quickly resolved — reflects the strain that underperformance places on squad cohesion. This is not the first time a player's post-match frustration has spilled into the public domain during a turbulent United season.

Sunday's trip to Elland Road offers Carrick's side an opportunity to arrest their slide and demonstrate that the internal discord has genuinely been put to rest.