‘It’s really not a drama’: Carrick sticks to the script after Martínez storm
Michael Carrick played down tensions at Manchester United after Lisandro Martínez publicly criticised director of football Jason Wilcox over the club’s investment. Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Leeds, Carrick said the squad had moved on quickly and was in a good place, as he sought to steady the team during a difficult start to the season.
United have six points from six league matches, sit 13th and have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, following last season’s third-place finish. Martínez said he expected more investment from Wilcox after the Champions League defeat by Atlético Madrid. United have taken 125 shots and made 205 touches in opponents’ penalty areas, both league highs, but have scored nine goals; defensive problems and finishing remain concerns.
- Carrick says United have moved on from Martínez’s criticism.
- United sit 13th with six points after six matches.
- Their attacking numbers are strong, but they have scored nine goals.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Carrick’s effort to play down the dispute could help keep attention on Sunday’s match and prevent a public disagreement from unsettling a squad already under pressure. With United creating many chances but scoring relatively few, a calm, shared focus may give the team the best chance to address its immediate problems.
The case against
Martínez’s criticism can be seen as a legitimate call for clearer accountability and investment after a poor start, an early cup exit and concerns about the squad’s ability to turn chances into goals. If Carrick’s reassurance glosses over those issues, it may make it harder for supporters and players to judge whether the club is confronting the causes of its decline.