Man Utd star has decided to quit as Barcelona join race for his signing

Man United are struggling to keep the ball out of their net and their dirty laundry out of public view.

Michael Carrick is preparing for Chelsea while trying to stop another miserable run from becoming an endless argument about who is to blame.

REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo

United have managed only two wins in 12 competitive matches this season, and are winless in eight and sit 16th in the Premier League, just a point above the relegation places.

Sunday’s 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth came after Como had beaten them 4-1 in the Champions League, and those results have been bad enough without the public disputes surrounding the team.

Carrick remains in charge for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge after discussions about his position involving chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

On Thursday, he insisted he did not need guarantees about his job, but results will determine how long he gets to put things right.

Bruno Fernandes has been central to the latest drama.

The captain questioned United’s approach without the ball after the Como defeat, arguing that they should have taken more risks with their pressing.

Sky Sports reported a meeting between the pair on Tuesday, alongside talks involving the wider squad, and Carrick has since confirmed Fernandes will keep the captaincy.

Lisandro Martínez had already caused a stir of his own.

REUTERS/Susana Vera

Following the defeat at Atlético Madrid, the defender demanded better recruitment and singled out Wilcox. His frustration was directed towards the people assembling the squad, rather than simply blaming the manager.

That leaves Carrick trying to improve performances while rebuilding a united front, and the last thing he needs is another senior player’s future becoming a distraction.

Now, United face the prospect of losing Martinez for nothing.

Martínez decides not to renew Man Utd deal and leave amid Barcelona interest

Eduardo Burgos says the Argentina international will not sign a new Man United deal, with his current deal due to expire in June 2027.

The journalist also claims the option covering an extra season will go unused, putting Martinez on course to leave without a transfer fee at the end of the season.

Barça and Atlético Madrid are the two clubs Burgos identifies as interested in signing him, with both La Liga giants joining the race for his signature.

Burgos says January will allow talks over a move, bringing the Spanish clubs into play as Martinez enters the final six months of his deal.

Atletico were the opponents when Martinez challenged United’s hierarchy, and they now feature among the clubs Burgos names as possible destinations for the defender.

Any January transfer would still require an agreement with United, and the contract situation also raises the prospect of a free move in the summer.

REUTERS/Toby Melville

For United, a departure on those terms would create another recruitment task while the people responsible for building the squad are already facing criticism from within.

It would also leave whoever is managing the team needing clarity over the defensive options available for next season.

Martinez still has a job to do in the meantime, and United’s immediate need is for their senior players to help drag them away from trouble, starting with Chelsea.