Martínez questioned the club’s transfer strategy after United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atlético Madrid, directing his frustration towards director of football Jason Wilcox. The defender later apologised for the timing of his remarks, although he did not withdraw the substance of his criticism.
The comments prompted concern from former United players, including Wayne Rooney, who warned that the dispute could damage the dressing room. Carrick, however, said outside commentary did not reflect the atmosphere he was experiencing inside the club.
“There’s a lot of people who say a lot of things - ex-pros or not ex-pros - it doesn’t necessarily mean they understand what is going on here,” Carrick said at his pre-match news conference.
“Just because people talk on the outside doesn’t mean that is the truth. I am telling you the truth. The squad today was in a fantastic place, better than I have seen it for a while. That is it, plain and simple. We are living it every day and know what it feels like.
“We are emotional and care a lot. Sometimes someone says something that maybe you shouldn't say at that certain time, but it doesn't distract us from what we are creating here and the environment and spirit within the group.
“It [the squad] is not affected, I am telling you.”
Carrick confirmed that Martínez would be included in the squad for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United at Elland Road. The manager said the defender had acknowledged his mistake and that the club was ready to move forward.
“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,” Carrick said.
The issue has also brought renewed attention to Wilcox, who has largely avoided public comment since becoming United’s director of football. Asked whether Wilcox should explain his decisions to the media, Carrick said he was comfortable taking responsibility for speaking on behalf of the team.
“I don't think it's for me to say whether he should or not,” he said. “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 argued that the emotion behind Martínez’s comments did not have to become a lasting distraction, provided the squad channelled its intensity in the right way.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The dispute comes at a difficult time for United, who are looking to end a five-match winless run. Carrick acknowledged the importance of results but rejected the suggestion that the Leeds match was primarily about protecting his own position.
“I don't need results,” he said. “We all need results.
“It's not about me. Manchester United is a lot bigger than any individual. It is bigger than me, bigger than any player, or anyone else who works at this football club. It always has been.”
United are also waiting for further medical checks on Benjamin Šeško, who has yet to start a Premier League match this season. Carrick said the striker remained some distance from a return.
“Ben's kind of still undergoing a couple of checks before we update on timelines,” he said. “We're just trying to be clear with what that looks like but he's still a little bit further away.”
With pressure mounting over results and squad depth, Carrick’s immediate priority is to turn his insistence on togetherness into a response on the pitch against Leeds.