Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick insists he is being straightforward when he states the club has moved on from Lisandro Martinez's strong comments made after this week's match.

Carrick's former teammate and friend Wayne Rooney led criticism of Martinez, warning that the Argentine defender risked damaging team harmony with his comments aimed at United's leadership after the 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid.

Ex-United captains Roy Keane and Gary Neville have also shared their views amid extensive media coverage.

Martinez has said sorry for the timing of his remarks, which highlighted director of football Jason Wilcox, though he stood by the substance of what he said.

There are many voices offering opinions, whether from former players or others, but that does not always reflect the reality inside the club, Carrick told reporters at the Carrington training ground.

Comments from outside do not represent the facts. I am sharing the truth here. The squad is in an excellent position right now, stronger than it has been in some time. We experience it daily and understand the atmosphere.

We are passionate and deeply invested. At times someone may speak out when it is not the best moment, yet this does not divert us from building the right culture and unity in the group.

The squad is not impacted, I can confirm that.

Carrick confirmed Martinez will be available for Sunday's Premier League match at Leeds.

Martinez had directed criticism at the technical director during the game in Madrid.

His apology did not name Wilcox, though the director, appointed after Dan Ashworth's departure in December 2024, took part in talks that shaped the latest statement.

Wilcox has faced renewed attention after earlier comments from Ruben Amorim before his own exit in January.

The 55-year-old has rarely spoken publicly since his last appearance on the club's channel a year ago.

Carrick said it was not his place to decide if Wilcox should address the media directly.

I am comfortable speaking here and guiding the team and club in this role. We are all involved together.

Carrick sees no problem in Martinez not naming Wilcox in the apology.

He has issued his statement, accepted the error, and that allows everyone to move forward, he said.

We want passion, emotion, drive and commitment from players. There is a proper way to show that, which has been noted.

Yet we must channel that energy, unity and spirit in the right direction as a group.

The unwanted attention comes at a difficult time for Carrick.

His team visits Leeds after five games without a win. United have not endured six winless matches in a row since the close of the 2018-19 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Carrick understands the need to end the run to reduce pressure on his position.

Still, he rejects the idea that it is solely about him.

Results matter to all of us, he said. It is not personal. Manchester United stands above any one person. It exceeds me, any player or staff member. That has always been true.

I do not approach each day thinking only of myself ahead of this game. It is about the club, its values, its legacy and the standards we must meet. That is what motivates us.