Man Utd's first team had planned to dine together on the evening of 15/10, ahead of their Premier League away fixture against Leeds this weekend, according to The Sun. However, the plan was scrapped following a 0-2 loss to Atletico in the Champions League two days prior. The British newspaper did not specify who made the decision or provide further explanation for the cancellation.

The defeat at Metropolitano, where Man Utd played with a man down, extended Michael Carrick's side's winless streak to five games. They currently stand 13th in the Premier League, having secured only one league victory since the start of the season.

Coach Michael Carrick appeared frustrated after Man Utd's 0-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, Madrid, Spain on 13/10/2026. Photo: Reuters

This is not the first time Man Utd has canceled a team gathering after a series of disappointing results. The Red Devils canceled their players' Christmas party in 12/2015 after being eliminated from the Champions League by Wolfsburg. At that time, captain Wayne Rooney and senior players took the initiative to make the decision, not wanting to be seen enjoying themselves while the team was enduring four winless games.

In 5/2024, Man Utd also canceled its end-of-season awards ceremony, which was scheduled to take place at Old Trafford. This was done to prevent player distraction before the FA Cup final against Man City five days later. At the time, Man Utd was experiencing a difficult season and stood 8th in the Premier League.

A year later, the club again did not host an end-of-season awards ceremony as the men's team performed poorly in domestic competitions. The annual event, which typically honors players from the men's team, women's team, and youth academies, was replaced by a more streamlined awards format.

In recent days, Man Utd's struggles with results have been compounded by squad injuries. Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo, and Benjamin Sesko are all injured. The lack of options in defense forced Carrick to deploy Ayden Heaven, a natural center-back, at left-back in the match against Atletico.

Man Utd players after their 0-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, Madrid, Spain on 13/10/2026. Photo: Reuters

The decision to play Heaven out of position partially contributed to Martinez's dissatisfaction. He publicly criticized Man Utd's transfer policy, directly targeting football director Jason Wilcox. "We need to bring in more players to compete. I expect more from the technical director", he stated.

These statements made Martinez the center of controversy at a time when Carrick was already under pressure due to results. On 15/10, Martinez posted an initial statement, admitting he spoke out of anger and frustration. He asserted that his dissatisfaction stemmed from a desire to see Man Utd return to contention for major trophies, while also taking responsibility, along with his teammates, for the team's on-field performance.

A day later, the 28-year-old center-back met with club management and Carrick, then publicly apologized. The 2022 World Cup winner also affirmed that everyone at Man Utd is working towards a common goal and committed to focusing on helping the team win.

Looking ahead, Carrick must find a way to end the poor run in the match against Leeds on 18/10. After five winless games, Man Utd approaches this away fixture under pressure from both recent results, injury concerns, and the recently publicized disagreements.

Vy Anh (Source: The Sun)