Michael Carrick has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez is part of the Manchester United matchday squad for Sunday's clash with Leeds United at Elland Road. The defender had criticised director of football Jason Wilcox after the Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, but a meeting has since resolved the issue.
Carrick confirms Martinez availability
Speaking about the resolution, Carrick said it was "pretty simple." He added: "He made the statement and acknowledged it was a mistake on his part. We have a really good feeling within the group, the spirit and togetherness."
When asked if Martinez was available to face Leeds, Carrick said: "He's part of the squad, yeah."
January transfer window plans
Carrick has also confirmed that United intend to be active during the January transfer window, asserting the club will emerge from the month in better shape than before. When quizzed on what lies ahead in terms of recruitment, the 45-year-old said: "When the next transfer window comes, you want to plan, and you want to make the best of it.
"Whatever that looks like at this stage, we don't quite know. But without doubt, there's opportunity because the transfer window is open. So we'll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like."
Carrick is yet to confirm whether these intentions extend to potential departures, with full attention now firmly fixed on the Leeds fixture on Sunday afternoon.
JJ Gabriel's future nears decision
JJ Gabriel's future at United appears set to be resolved within the next few days, according to Spanish media. Sport claims that "the moment of truth is approaching" for Gabriel as he seeks to engineer a departure from the club.
The teenager submitted a request to terminate his registration at United last month after club chiefs disregarded his demands for a seven-figure salary and regular playing time. He has since been training alone in Barcelona, with links to the Catalan club, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich still remaining.
It is reported that Real are prepared to satisfy Gabriel's requirements of an £8.5million deal spanning three years, including bonuses for his family and agent. Bayern's sporting director, Christoph Freund, praised the 16-year-old as a brilliant talent, while Barca's chief, Deco, has publicly denied any interest.
It remains to be seen which club the youngster will ultimately commit to, but United are rapidly exhausting any remaining chances of retaining him.
