Man Utd star now informs INEOS he plans to quit, Wilcox identifies exciting replacement
Manchester United have been rocked by news that one of their senior stars wants to leave the club, dealing another blow to Michael Carrick ahead of Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash with Leeds United.
The Red Devils are preparing for a hostile reception at Elland Road following a turbulent week at Old Trafford, with their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid overshadowed by controversy involving Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine defender publicly criticised United’s hierarchy following the defeat, with director of football Jason Wilcox coming under particular scrutiny.
Martinez’s comments sparked a fierce backlash, with Wayne Rooney warning that the defender could “rip the dressing room apart” and Jamie Carragher insisting “he overstepped the mark”.
Carrick has insisted the controversy has not affected his squad, dismissing suggestions of unrest behind the scenes.
“There’s a lot of people who say a lot of things – ex-pros or not ex-pros – it doesn’t necessarily mean they understand what is going on here,” he said.
“Just because people talk on the outside doesn’t mean that is the truth. I am telling you the truth. The squad today was in a fantastic place, better than I have seen it for a while. That is it, plain and simple. We are living it every day and know what it feels like.
“We are emotional and care a lot. Sometimes someone says something that maybe you shouldn’t say at that certain time, but it doesn’t distract us from what we are creating here and the environment and spirit within the group. It [the squad] is not affected, I am telling you.”
Carrick also confirmed Martinez will be part of the squad travelling to Leeds, where United will be looking to respond to their European disappointment.
Speaking to MUTV ahead of the encounter, the United boss admitted he was anticipating a difficult afternoon against Daniel Farke’s side.
“[I’m expecting] a very tough game,” Carrick said. “I think Daniel’s done a really good job, I have to say, for a long period of time. They had a sticky start in there, but since they changed things a little bit at the start last season, they’ve gone really consistent. A dangerous team, played really well at Arsenal again last week and maybe a bit unlucky not to take anything from the game.
“It’s a special game, going to Elland Road. It’s one definitely to look forward to, it’s where it brings everything out in you. All the senses are alive, the noise, the atmosphere, the intensity, everything’s there, so we look forward to it.”
Lisandro Martinez informs Man Utd of desire to leave
Despite Carrick’s attempts to draw a line under the controversy, Martinez’s future at Manchester United is now reportedly in serious doubt.
According to Manchester Evening News, the Argentina international has made it clear that he intends to leave Old Trafford, informing INEOS he does not want them to use the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months when his current contract expires next summer.
The 28-year-old has endured a frustrating spell with injuries in recent seasons, raising questions over his long-term future even before his explosive comments following the Atletico defeat.
Man Utd eyeing Jarrad Branthwaite as Martinez replacement
United are already exploring potential replacements, with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite emerging as a leading candidate.
Wilcox and Co are monitoring left-footed central defenders as they prepare for the possibility of Martinez leaving, with Branthwaite back on their shortlist.
The England international has been a long-term target for United, and his age, Premier League experience and ability to operate on the left side of central defence make him a potentially perfect successor to Martinez, although any deal with Everton could prove difficult to negotiate.
Wilcox and United’s recruitment team therefore face an important decision as they consider how to reshape a defence that also needs a new out and out left-back.
For Carrick, the immediate priority remains Sunday’s trip to Leeds, but the uncertainty surrounding Martinez threatens to become a significant issue for INEOS as they plan for the future.
