Lisandro Martinez's apology for his criticism of Manchester United's summer transfer business has spared head coach Michael Carrick from a potentially difficult press conference on Friday afternoon.
On Tuesday night, moments before Carrick sat down with the media at the Metropolitano, the centre-back told Amazon Prime how disappointed he was with the club's transfer activity. Carrick responded at the time: "I need to find out a bit more about it before I can say if and what is going to be done. I really can't comment any further because I haven't seen it."
That response was understandable immediately after the interview aired, but it was widely expected that the question would resurface. Had Martinez not apologised on Thursday evening, Carrick would have faced an even more difficult position.
Carrick's Diplomatic Approach
Since returning to the club at the start of the year, Carrick has answered questions on the ownership and hierarchy in a diplomatic manner. When United fans planned protests before the Fulham match last season, the interim head coach spoke of the importance of supporters without picking a side.
When asked whether he had been sufficiently backed in the transfer window, Carrick again avoided the issue, insisting he was happy with the quality of players signed but refusing to comment on whether more should have arrived.
Martinez's comments nearly forced Carrick to show his hand for the first time, bringing the issue into the spotlight and almost obliging him to pick a side.
Pressure Remains on United
With Martinez now having apologised, Carrick's position is easier. He can praise the defender's passion, back the club's decision to take action, and draw a line under the matter.
However, the substance of Martinez's remarks remains valid. United did need more reinforcements, including a left-back and a striker to cover Benjamin Sesko. Neither transfer was completed.
Most United fans welcomed Martinez's comments for what he said, if not the timing. Carrick still faces a delicate balance, as siding with the boardroom could risk backlash from supporters.
For now, Carrick has been spared a tricky press conference, but United are not out of the woods. A win on Sunday is crucial, and failure to secure one would increase pressure on the head coach and those above him. Whether Martinez's outburst and apology mark the end of dressing room unrest or merely the beginning remains to be seen.
