Carrick settles Man United star’s row with the board: It’s done

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has moved to close a file that has shaken the dressing room in recent days, after one of the team’s stars sparked a crisis with fiery comments aimed at the club’s hierarchy.

The coach’s words were short and decisive. They revealed the player’s fate ahead of the difficult trip to Leeds United, and carried a clear message for everyone at the club.

Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the United hierarchy after the 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid. Speaking to US broadcaster CBS, he said he had expected more investment in the squad in the summer, adding: “I expect more from our technical director,” in a reference to Jason Wilcox.

After a meeting with the club’s leadership and Carrick, Martinez posted an apology on social media, saying the frustration of the defeat led him to express how he felt at a time and place that were not the right ones. It is understood he has also been fined.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Carrick said: “It’s done, really,” adding: “From our point of view, the acknowledgment of what’s been done has certainly been enough.” He confirmed Martinez will be in the squad to face Leeds on Sunday.

Asked about the pressure on him, Carrick said: “Manchester United is a lot bigger than any individual. It really is not about me.”

On the injury front, Carrick said he will wait on Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo, who both missed the Atletico game, while striker Benjamin Sesko is “still a little bit further away.”