Michael Carrick commented on the dynamic within Manchester United after midweek controversy.

The Red Devils suffered a 2-0 defeat in the Champions League against Atlético Madrid, conceding goals from Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman. But the biggest news on the evening involved a pair of interviews from Lisandro Martínez, who criticised the investment of the board this summer.

·‘We’re all in it together and we are a really tight-knit group’

Carrick confirmed that the central defender will be selected as part of the matchday squad for the trip to Elland Road on the weekend, and he dismissed the idea that the player’s words ruptured the group.

“I've got absolutely no problem sitting here, talking to you guys and leading the group, leading the team and leading the football club from this position. We’re all in it together and we are a really tight-knit group, so I’m happy to face anything you want to ask me.

“A lot of things can affect a group in all sorts of different ways. I just kind of repeat: from the game itself, how we were talking about the spirit and belief within the group. The way we started that game and the run of games we’ve had; it would have been easy for that game to get away from us after going a goal down so early at one of the toughest places to play in the Champions League.

“To go a goal down so early, the way we responded to that showed an underlying belief, spirit and collectiveness really within the group. That's when they're on the pitch, and they're on their own and they found a way to deal with it well.

“We lost the game, so we’re disappointed with that, but there are different ways of going through situations. For the most part, I thought we went through it in a good way that gives us a lot of belief we can come out stronger. Certain situations can galvanise a group, and this has certainly galvanised the group as this week has progressed. The boys are, I have to say, in a really good place right now.”

·‘The squad today was in a fantastic place’

“Just because people talk from the outside, that doesn’t mean it’s the truth. I’m telling you the truth.

“The squad today was in a fantastic place, better than I’ve seen it for a while actually. That's it. It’s plain and simple.

“We’re living it every day and we know what it feels like. We’re emotional, we're passionate and we care a lot. Sometimes someone says something they perhaps shouldn’t say at that certain time, but that doesn’t distract us from what we’re creating here, the environment or the spirit within the group.

“It’s not affected, I’m telling you as it is. We’re in a good place, and I’m really happy with the boys today especially. I thought there was a really good reaction today."