Michael Carrick has backed Lisandro Martínez’s commitment to Manchester United after the defender’s criticism of the club hierarchy and dismissal against Chelsea. United prepare to host Roma with several players unavailable. Kobbie Mainoo says the squad must support their manager and give frustrated supporters results they can cheer, as Carrick keeps his attention on the next match.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has backed Lisandro Martínez’s commitment before the club’s Champions League home match against Roma. The Argentine defender was fined over comments about United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, and was then sent off against Chelsea. Carrick said that mistakes and decisions in football did not make commitment a concern for him.[1], [2]
Martínez is expected to retain his place against Roma, but his red card rules him out of the Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday. United are also without Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko for the European fixture. Patrick Dorgu has returned to training but is not yet fit enough to play.[1]
Carrick declined to predict what would happen to his own future. He said the uncertainty did not alter the team’s preparations and that his attention remained on the Roma match.[1]
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo said supporters could not be expected to stay happy while results were disappointing. He said the players owed them performances and results to cheer again. Mainoo also called for the squad to stand behind Carrick on and off the pitch, repaying the support the manager had given them.[1]
