Lisandro Martinez included in Manchester United squad for Leeds trip after Carrick talks

Lisandro Martinez will be available for Manchester United’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United on Sunday, Michael Carrick has confirmed, despite the defender’s public criticism of the club’s recruitment policy and senior hierarchy.

The Argentina international questioned United’s approach to transfers and singled out director of football Jason Wilcox after the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Martinez later apologised for the timing of his comments following discussions with Carrick and club secretary Omar Berrada. However, the 28-year-old did not withdraw the substance of what he had said.

Speaking before the match at Elland Road, Carrick said the issue had been dealt with and confirmed Martinez remained available for selection.

“He’s released his statement and realised he made a mistake,” Carrick said. “That’s enough for us to move on with. From our point of view, the acknowledgement of what’s been done is enough to move on.”

Carrick also sought to minimise the impact of the incident, saying it had not disrupted the squad’s preparations or mood.

“We’ve moved on from that. As a group we’ve moved on. It’s really not a drama for the group,” he said. “The squad have trained really well and they are in good spirits.”

Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, both former Manchester United players, were among those to criticise Martinez’s intervention. Rooney said the defender’s comments risked damaging unity within the dressing room.

Carrick rejected the suggestion that external reaction necessarily represented the mood inside the club, maintaining that the squad had continued to work positively.

Manchester United travel to Leeds on a five-match winless run, increasing the scrutiny on Carrick as he attempts to arrest the team’s decline in results.

Martinez’s long-term position at Old Trafford is also uncertain. Reports have claimed he wanted to join Atletico Madrid before the current season began, amid frustration regarding his contract.

The defender’s existing agreement with Manchester United expires at the end of the season.

For Sunday’s fixture, however, Martinez remains in contention as United seek to end their winless sequence and begin improving their form.