Lisandro Martinez available for Manchester United at Leeds: Michael Carrick says saga is 'done'

Lisandro Martinez will travel with Manchester United for Sunday's visit to Leeds United at Elland Road. The Argentine defender apologised for his explosive comments aimed at the club's hierarchy following the defeat to Atletico Madrid, and manager Michael Carrick moved to close the matter with a firm message: 'It's done. We've moved on.'

• Michael Carrick confirmed Lisandro Martinez is available for the match against Leeds United.
• The Argentine centre-back apologised after meeting with Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada and Carrick at the training ground.
• Martinez had questioned the lack of signings and the backing given to Carrick after the 2-0 loss at Atletico Madrid.
• Wayne Rooney labelled the defender's words as 'disrespectful' during a five-match winless run that has included defensive errors from the player.
• Manchester United face a pressure derby against Leeds United needing to end a negative run of results.

Michael Carrick shuts down Lisandro Martinez controversy after apology

The Manchester United manager addressed the media with a calm but firm message. Carrick explained that the situation was handled simply: the player understood his mistake and the group accepted it without major drama. 'It's really not a drama for us as a group. The boys have trained really well and there's a really good feeling around the squad,' the coach said.

Carrick highlighted the mood inside the camp despite the lack of wins. He described Friday's session as one of the better training sessions of the season and noted a collective hunger to turn things around. 'There's a freshness about the group today which I really liked,' he added.

What Lisandro Martinez said about Jason Wilcox and United's board

After the 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid's stadium, Lisandro Martinez pointed directly at technical director Jason Wilcox. The defender claimed not enough was done to strengthen the playing squad led by Carrick and that the manager had not been properly backed in the transfer market.

His words caused an internal storm. The 28-year-old, whose contract expires in June, used social media to soften the impact of his remarks. He first admitted he had spoken out of 'anger and frustration' following the result in the Spanish capital. A day later, after a meeting at the club's facilities with Wilcox, CEO Omar Berrada and Carrick, he issued an apology saying the dressing room was now focused on 'winning together'.

Wayne Rooney's reaction and the weight of United's winless run

Martinez's criticism did not only unsettle the club's hierarchy. Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United striker, considered his words to be 'disrespectful'. The English legend added his voice to a debate that went beyond football and placed the spotlight on the club's institutional health.

On the pitch, the Argentina international has been under scrutiny for defensive mistakes during a current run of five matches without a win in all competitions. His individual form contrasts with the reliability he showed in previous seasons and with the urgency of a team that needs to regain defensive stability to start winning again.

What is at stake for Manchester United at Elland Road

The match against Leeds United arrives with pressure mounting on a Manchester United side still searching for direction. The historic rivalry between the two clubs adds an extra emotional layer to a fixture Carrick approaches needing to stop the negative spiral and restore some confidence to a support that is starting to show signs of impatience.

The manager believes the resolution of the Martinez case can serve as a turning point. The centre-back's inclusion in the squad is a signal of institutional normality: the club prefers to solve conflicts behind closed doors and protect a player who, despite the recent noise, remains an important piece of the project.

An apology without naming Jason Wilcox: Carrick's stance

Lisandro Martinez's statement did not include a personal apology addressed to Jason Wilcox, even though his initial criticism made the technical director the main target. Carrick downplayed that detail and said he was satisfied with the defender's message. 'He's released his statement and realised he made a mistake. That's enough for us to move on with,' the manager said.

For the coach, the public acknowledgement of the error is all the club needed to hear. There is no intention to extend any punishment or turn the episode into a saga. The message inside the dressing room is unanimous: it is time to compete and leave any distractions behind.

Dressing room mood before the trip to Leeds

Carrick repeatedly highlighted the human quality of the group and the cohesion he sees on a daily basis. Despite the poor results, the manager insists the spirit and togetherness remain intact. Friday's training session allowed him to see that the players still have the energy needed to compete in a demanding atmosphere like Elland Road.

Licha has come out and acknowledged the situation and as a group we've moved on. It's really not a drama for us as a group.

Frequently asked questions about the Lisandro Martinez situation