Man Utd boss Michael Carrick says squad not affected by Lisandro Martinez fallout

Martinez singled out the ‘technical director’ for criticism in Madrid.

There was no mention of Wilcox in his statement, although the former Leeds and Blackburn player, who was made United’s director of football in the aftermath of Dan Ashworth’s sacking in December 2024, was part of the discussions with Martinez that led to his latest statement on his conduct.

Wilcox is back in the spotlight, after also being targeted by Ruben Amorim in his final press conference before his dismissal in January.

The 55-year-old has only spoken publicly once since, to United’s own media channel, 12 months ago.

“I don’t think it’s for me to say whether he should or not,” said Carrick, when asked if Wilcox should be the one explaining his actions to the media.

“I’ve got no problem sitting here, talking to you guys and leading the group, leading the team, leading the football club from this position. We’re all in it together.

Carrick does not feel Martinez’s failure to mention Wilcox by name is an issue.

“He’s released his statement, he’s realised he’s made a mistake, and I think that’s enough for all of us to move on with,” he said.

“We ask for passion, we ask for emotion, we ask for fire and we ask for players to care. There’s a way of doing that, and that’s already been acknowledged.

“But we need to carry that intensity, that willingness, togetherness and spirit and everything else you can bring with that. As a group, we need to use it, and we’ve got to use it in the right way.”