Maguire plays down impact of Martinez outburst

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Martinez launched a scathing review of the United hierarchy in the aftermath of a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last week. 

The Argentina international suggested the Red Devils did not have a team capable of competing in Europe, pointing the finger towards technical director Jason Wilcox and the owners of the club. 

But Martinez later took to social media to clarify his outburst, saying the responsibility for United's poor results starts with the squad, while also apologising for his comments. 

Michael Carrick decided to start Martinez in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Leeds United, though the defender was replaced at half-time by Noussair Mazraoui because of an injury.

"Obviously, there has been a lot of noise around the club [in the past week], as there is every week, but more so [in the past week]," Maguire said. "Lisandro has come out and apologised. We have moved on from it.

"He played, and I thought he was brilliant in the first half. Credit to him. Fingers crossed that he hasn't picked up a serious injury, and we can have him back."

United has won just one of its seven Premier League matches this season, its fewest number of victories at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1986-1987 – also one victory after seven games.

In fact, the Red Devils last tasted victory in all competitions on 10 September against Azerbaijani minnow Sabah in the Champions League, with Cesc Fabregas's Como up next. 

United has just one win in its last 10 away Champions League matches and has only kept one clean sheet in its last 15 on the road.

Maguire was also asked if the dressing room spirit had been challenged by Martinez's criticism.

"When you play for this club it is always tested, especially when you're not winning football matches," Maguire said. "We haven't played anywhere near well enough to win as many football matches as we did last season.

"We get tested every week, and the boys have got to get used to that. They've got to find something within themselves to help the group.

"We'll stick together, we'll go again. We have got another big game on Wednesday, and we look forward to it."