Carrick backs Martinez after Chelsea red card despite relegation battle

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 14:30 · Archive

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has defended Lisandro Martinez's commitment despite the defender's red card in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Chelsea.

Michael Carrick has defended Lisandro Martinez's commitment to Manchester United after the defender was sent off in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Martinez elbowed Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana in the face while defending a corner, conceding a penalty that Cole Palmer converted, and received a second yellow card. He will be suspended for United's next match against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Martinez has been criticised for a series of errors in recent weeks and was widely condemned for his petulance after the Chelsea loss. The Argentinian is also out of contract in the summer, though United have the option to extend his deal for a further year. In October, Martinez had publicly criticised the club's sporting director Jason Wilcox and the club's recruitment strategy following the loss to Atletico Madrid, before apologising for his remarks.

When asked about Martinez ahead of United's Champions League match against Roma, Carrick insisted the defender's attitude should not be questioned. He said: 'I've got no concerns about commitment at all. Things happen in football, sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes it goes well for you, but commitment is not an issue, for sure.' Carrick also stated he is not thinking about his future as manager despite mounting pressure on his position.

The Chelsea defeat left United in 17th position in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, after their worst start to a campaign in 40 years. Carrick's side have won just once in the league all season, with their other victory coming in the Champions League against Sabah. They have endured nine straight games without a victory and suffered heavy defeats by Atletico Madrid and Como in continental competition.

Carrick also addressed concerns about discipline within his squad, following an explosive post-match interview from captain Bruno Fernandes criticising his tactics after the 4-1 loss to Como. Carrick said: 'The dressing room is a good, good place, so perceptions are a funny thing. The commitment of the players to the club, to me, to each other – I don't question that at all.' The Champions League fixture against Roma represents a pivotal match for United's season.

How it is being reported

• Michael Carrick hits back at suspicions that he is on the brink of the sack at Man United - and insists he is relishing Tuesday's battle against RomaMichael Carrick doesn't feel like he is on his last legs as Manchester United head coach - but admits people might think he is 'crazy' for looking forward to the Champions League clash with Roma.Daily Mail Sport · 2 Nov, 15:07
• Michael Carrick addresses Lisandro Martinez commitment concerns amid Man Utd contract talkMartinez was sent off against Chelsea on the weekend after a string of errors in recent gamesIndependent Sport · 2 Nov, 14:18
• Michael Carrick makes 'crazy' admission as Manchester United delay sack decisionRed Devils boss was spared the sack last weekEvening Standard · 2 Nov, 14:18
• Carrick not concerned with future, dressing room, or Martinez commitment ahead of Roma clashMichael Carrick says he not concerned with Lisandro Martinez's commitment and responds to questions on his future.Sky Sports · 2 Nov, 14:18
• Michael Carrick gives Lisandro Martinez verdict and responds to Man Utd sack decisionManchester United manager Michael Carrick spoke to the media ahead of a must win Champions League clash against RomaMirror Sport · 2 Nov, 13:48

In this story: Michael Carrick · Lisandro Martinez · Manchester United · Chelsea · Roma · Wesley Fofana · Cole Palmer · Bruno Fernandes

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log