Carrick backs Martinez after red card and dismisses United sack talk ahead of Roma clash

Michael Carrick has publicly backed Lisandro Martinez following the defender’s red card in Manchester United’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and insisted he has no concerns about the Argentinian’s attitude ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture against Roma at Old Trafford.

United were competitive in the first half at Stamford Bridge, coming close to taking the lead before Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock for Chelsea early in the second period. Martinez then compounded the defeat by earning a needless second yellow card and conceding a penalty in the same incident, allowing Cole Palmer to convert and seal the result.

The red card drew widespread criticism, but Carrick was unequivocal in his support for the player. “I’ve got no concerns about commitment at all,” the United manager said at his pre-match press conference. “Things happen in football, sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes it goes well for you, but commitment is not an issue, for sure.”

Carrick also addressed mounting speculation over his own position at the club, rejecting suggestions that he is preoccupied with his future. “No, not at all,” he said when asked whether he feels like a manager with just two games remaining. “You never know what is going to happen in the future, but that doesn’t change the way I feel. I can’t wait for the game tomorrow. You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had, but I can’t wait for it.”

The Roma match represents a pivotal moment in United’s Champions League campaign, with the result at Old Trafford likely to have significant consequences for their progression in the competition. Carrick’s comments suggest he remains focused solely on the task at hand, regardless of the broader uncertainty surrounding his role.