Carrick on Martínez fallout: 'I am telling you the truth'
In brief
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick insists the club have moved on from Lisandro Martínez's criticism of the hierarchy after the Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid, saying on 16 October 2026 the squad is in its best place for a while.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has insisted the club have drawn a line under Lisandro Martínez's outspoken criticism of the board. Speaking at Carrington on 16 October 2026, Carrick told reporters that outside opinion does not reflect life inside the squad, according to BBC Sport.
The row began after United lost 2-0 away to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on 13 October 2026. In a post-match interview with Amazon Prime, the Argentina centre-back said the club had not strengthened the squad enough in the summer, remarks widely seen as aimed at director of football Jason Wilcox. Martínez has since said sorry for when he spoke, though not for what he said.
What did Carrick say?
Carrick rejected the idea that the criticism from former players and pundits reflected the reality at the club. He described his players as an emotional group who care deeply, and said a remark made at the wrong moment would not derail the environment and spirit the squad is building.
“There's a lot of people who say a lot of things - ex-pros or not ex-pros - it doesn't necessarily mean they understand what is going on here.”
“Just because people talk on the outside doesn't mean that is the truth. I am telling you the truth. The squad today was in a fantastic place, better than I have seen it for a while.”
What did Martínez say in his interview?
Martínez argued that United had enjoyed a strong campaign last season and now needed more backing from above. According to the Evening Standard, his comments came despite the club spending more than £150 million in the summer, and the Atlético defeat extended United's winless run to 5 games in all competitions.
“I have to control myself a lot, but sometimes it's a reflection of how our club is at the moment”
| Match / metric | Result |
|---|---|
| 13 Sep 2026 · Man Utd v Man City | 0-1, defeat |
| 20 Sep 2026 · Fulham v Man Utd | 1-1, draw |
| 10 Oct 2026 · Man Utd v Tottenham | 1-1, draw |
| 13 Oct 2026 · Atlético Madrid v Man Utd | 2-0, defeat |
| Premier League 2026/27: apps / starts / minutes | 5 / 5 / 450 |
| Premier League 2026/27 average rating | 6.74 |
Source: ScoreLab data. Martínez's last 4 competitive club matches.
How did former players react to Martínez?
The outburst drew heavy criticism from former United players. BBC Sport reported that Wayne Rooney, Carrick's close friend and former team-mate, warned the remarks risked splitting the dressing room. Ex-captains Roy Keane and Gary Neville also weighed in.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher went further, disputing Martínez's view that last season had been a success. As reported by The Independent, Carragher pointed to a managerial sacking, a Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby and an early FA Cup elimination, and put United's third-place finish down to poor seasons at Liverpool and Chelsea plus a lack of European fixtures.
“The more you listen to Martínez’s argument, the less it stands up to scrutiny”
How has the row unfolded?
- 13 October 2026 — Atlético Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League; Lisandro Martínez criticises the hierarchy in his post-match interview.
- 13-16 October 2026 — Wayne Rooney, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane and Gary Neville respond; Martínez apologises for the timing.
- 16 October 2026 — Michael Carrick tells his Carrington press conference the club have moved on.
- 18 October 2026 — Manchester United visit Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League.
What happens next?
Manchester United travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on 18 October 2026 (ScoreLab data). According to The Independent, Carrick's side are 13th with just 1 win from their opening 6 league games. The trip to Leeds will be the first on-pitch test of the squad harmony Carrick described. The club have not yet said whether Martínez will start.
Sources
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
Frequently asked questions
What did Lisandro Martinez say?
After the 2-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid on 13 October 2026, Martínez told Amazon Prime the players expected the hierarchy to sign more players to compete. The comments were seen as aimed at director of football Jason Wilcox.
Has Martinez apologised?
According to BBC Sport, Martínez apologised for the timing of his comments but not for their content.
What did Michael Carrick say about Martinez?
At his 16 October 2026 press conference, Carrick said the club have moved on and the squad is in a better place than he has seen for a while.
When do Man Utd play next?
Manchester United visit Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League on 18 October 2026 (ScoreLab data).
Related stories
This analysis was prepared by the ScoreLab Newsroom using the sources listed and ScoreLab data. Editorial policy