Carrick drops Martinez for Roma clash after red card and penalty in Chelsea collapse

Michael Carrick has dropped Lisandro Martinez from Manchester United’s starting line-up for their Champions League fixture against Roma at Old Trafford, with Ayden Heaven coming in to replace the Argentine defender.

Martinez paid the price for a damaging afternoon at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, where he gave away a penalty and was sent off as United lost 2-0 to Chelsea in the Premier League. Although the red card did not carry over into European competition, Carrick opted against selecting him regardless.

The decision comes amid a run of poor form from Martinez that has contributed to a nine-game winless streak under Carrick. United have not won since a 4-0 victory over Sabah in the opening match of their European campaign in September, a run that has placed Carrick’s position under significant scrutiny.

Martinez had already been fined by the club after publicly criticising the United hierarchy following last month’s Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid. That result was compounded by a 4-1 home loss to Como, a result that prompted Bruno Fernandes to question Carrick’s methods — comments that led to the captain being dropped to the bench for the subsequent fixture against Bournemouth.

Kobbie Mainoo also comes into the starting XI for the Roma game, replacing Andrey Santos in midfield. Roma are managed by Gian Piero Gasperini.