Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Stephan Warnock analyse Lisandro Martinez’s performance in Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, where the Argentinian defender was sent off.
MATCH REPORT: Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United
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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says he is “telling the truth” when he says the club have moved on from Lisandro Martinez’s explosive post-match comments this week.
Carrick’s close friend and team-mate Wayne Rooney led the condemnation of Martinez, saying the Argentine defender could “rip the dressing room apart” with his attack on United’s hierarchy after the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.
Former United skippers Roy Keane and Gary Neville have also had their say, among a huge amount of analysis.
Martinez has apologised for the timing of comments, which turned the spotlight on director of football Jason Wilcox, but not for the words themselves.
“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,” said Carrick in his pre-match media conference at United’s Carrington training ground.
“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. That is it, plain and simple. We are living it every day and know what it feels like.
“We are emotional and care a lot. Sometimes someone says something that maybe you shouldn’t say at that certain time, but it doesn’t distract us from what we are creating here and the environment and spirit within the group.
“It [the squad] is not affected, I am telling you.”
Carrick confirmed Martinez would be “part of the squad” for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds at Elland Road (14:00 BST).
More to follow.
Following the loss to Atletico, Martinez said he expected more investment in the Manchester United squad and “more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]”.
The 28-year-old later said he “spoke out of anger and frustration” in making those comments and that he had “belief in my team-mates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward”.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, speaking on The Overlap podcast,, external described the situation at his former club as “a bit of a circus”.
Martinez’s statement on Thursday added: “Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not help with that.
“I know that every single person at Manchester United is doing everything possible to achieve our shared ambition: bringing the success that this club and its supporters deserve.
“With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together.”
It remains to be seen whether Carrick selects Martinez for the trip to Leeds.
Nevertheless, there is understood to be significant doubt over the centre-back’s long-term future at Old Trafford.
His current deal expires at the end of the season but the club have the option of extending it by 12 months.
While the issue over his recent comments is now considered closed, the club are still to decide whether they want to trigger the contract option.
Champions League Match of the Day pundits Nedum Onuoha, Stephen Warnock, and Rory Smith analyse Lisandro Martinez’s comments following Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid and the impact they’ll have on the club.
READ MORE: Man Utd defender Martinez issues scathing attack on board
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