Michael Carrick backs Martínez attitude before Manchester United vs Roma
Michael Carrick has moved to calm concerns around Lisandro Martínez as Manchester United prepare for Roma. Martínez is expected to keep his place despite recent disciplinary issues.
Michael Carrick Martínez attitude questions have been addressed by the Manchester United coach before the Champions League visit of Roma on Tuesday. Carrick said he is not concerned about Lisandro Martínez’s mindset, even after a difficult spell involving comments about the club hierarchy and a red card against Chelsea.
Martínez is expected to keep his place for Manchester United as they look to end a run that has become their worst in 38 years. United have failed to win any of their past nine matches, adding further pressure to the European fixture.
Carrick plays down concerns over Martínez
Carrick’s message on Martínez was clear as United prepare for a high-profile Champions League assignment. The defender’s attitude has come under scrutiny following a recent outburst aimed at the Manchester United hierarchy.
Martínez was also fined for comments about United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox. That was followed by a reckless sending off in the defeat against Chelsea at the weekend, keeping attention firmly on the player ahead of Roma’s visit.
“commitment is not an issue”
That was Carrick’s assessment of Martínez, and it points to United keeping faith with the defender despite the recent disciplinary concerns. The timing is significant, with the team under pressure and in need of a response in the Champions League.
Martínez expected to keep his place against Roma
Martínez is expected to remain in the side for the match against Roma on Tuesday. His involvement would come just days after the sending off against Chelsea, a moment that added to the scrutiny around his conduct.
For United, the decision to continue with Martínez would underline Carrick’s belief that the issue is not about application. The focus now shifts to how the player responds on the pitch in a match that carries importance for both the team and the mood around the club.
United seek to halt damaging run
Manchester United enter the Roma fixture trying to stop a run of nine matches without a win. The sequence has been described as the club’s worst in 38 years, making the Champions League tie an important opportunity to change direction.
The visit of Roma comes with United facing questions over form, discipline and internal tension. Martínez’s recent outburst, the fine linked to his comments about Jason Wilcox and the Chelsea red card have all fed into the build-up.
Still, Carrick’s stance keeps the emphasis on Martínez’s availability and commitment rather than removing him from the spotlight. United’s next chance to shift the narrative comes against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.
What happens next
Manchester United’s immediate task is to turn Carrick’s backing into a performance against Roma. For Martínez, the match offers a chance to answer concerns after a turbulent few days and help United try to end their nine-match winless run.