Martinez Returns to Manchester United Squad for Leeds Clash
Lisandro Martinez is set to make his return to the Manchester United squad for Monday night's Premier League fixture against Leeds United at Old Trafford. However, head coach Michael Carrick has remained tight-lipped about whether the Argentine defender will start the match, despite the absence of the suspended Harry Maguire.
Injury Comeback and Defensive Dilemma
Martinez has been sidelined for over two months due to a calf injury, but he successfully completed Manchester United's recent training camp in Ireland without any setbacks. The 28-year-old centre-back is a natural replacement for Maguire, who is serving a one-match ban following his red card in the previous outing against Bournemouth.
Maguire's suspension could potentially be extended if he is found guilty of improper conduct towards fourth official Matt Donohue at the Vitality Stadium. This adds further urgency to Carrick's defensive selection headache.
Carrick emphasised the need for caution, stating: 'It's just that call that we make. We wouldn't be pushed into anything. I think it's important that the boys are ready. So that's a decision that we'll take. He's back training, which is great, and back on the grass. But we've certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he's ready.'
Alternative Options and De Ligt's Continued Absence
The Manchester United manager also has the option of pairing Ayden Heaven with Leny Yoro in central defence, and he admitted he is still weighing up his choices. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt would have been another ideal candidate to fill in for Maguire, but the Dutch international is still some way from making his comeback after being out for four-and-a-half months with a back injury.
De Ligt did not participate in the four-day training camp outside Dublin, instead remaining at Carrington to continue his rehabilitation programme. Carrick explained: 'He obviously wasn't there. The reason he didn't come, he's not quite on the grass. Patrick (Dorgu) came with us and Pat's at that stage a little bit further on. Matta's not quite at that stage yet, so it was important for him to continue his rehab really and try and get him back.'
Carrick, who has previously admitted there is no guarantee De Ligt will play again this season, added: 'It's different treatment and different exercises. He's in the gym and doing work but he's not quite on the grass and he's not ready for that yet. That's the process that unfortunately when you're injured you’ve to go through. Sometimes it happens quicker than others and sometimes there's things that don't quite go to plan and it's a bit slower. He's just at that stage where he's working through that at the moment and we're trying to get him back right.'
Maguire's Contract and Carrick's Involvement
Maguire's sending-off at Bournemouth came during a turbulent period for the defender, which included a recall to the England squad and the signing of a new contract with Manchester United. Carrick confirmed that he was involved in the decision-making process to offer the 33-year-old a new deal, even though it has not been confirmed whether he will remain in charge next season.
'Certainly in the role I'm in, there's them decisions you need taking care of,' said Carrick. 'Whatever that looks like moving forward, I'm part of that, and trying to improve things and make things better all the time. There are conversations in different directions and different things that I'm definitely part of. I think it should be that way anyway, because things need to be done. So I'm here to take care of that.'
As Manchester United prepare to face Leeds, all eyes will be on whether Martinez makes his long-awaited return to the starting lineup or if Carrick opts for an alternative defensive partnership.
