Michael Carrick has insisted he’s got “no concerns” about Lisandro Martínez‘s commitment to Manchester United after the defender followed up his criticism of the club’s board with a woeful performance against Chelsea.
Martínez was sent off at Stamford Bridge after giving away a penalty which allowed Chelsea to take a 2-0 lead.
In the last month, the Argentina international was also responsible for Tottenham‘s late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and criticised director of football Jason Wilcox following the 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and there have been suggestions that his behaviour — on and off the pitch — is linked to a desire to quit the club.
Carrick, however, has backed Martínez and insists the World Cup winner is determined to get back to his best.
“I’ve got no concerns about commitment at all,” Carrick told a news conference on Tuesday.
“The dressing room is a good, good place. I’ve said it before, the commitment of the players to the club, to me, to each other is I don’t question that at all. We need to play better, we can make better decisions, but commitment’s not a thing at all.”
Carrick is under severe pressure following a run of nine games without a win.
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Club bosses are set to evaluate his position during the international break after games against Roma and Aston Villa this week. The 45-year-old’s job is on the line, but he’s choosing to remain positive ahead of two games which could decide his fate.
“I can look into the future, but you never know what’s going to happen,” Carrick said.
“That doesn’t change how we’re preparing for the game tomorrow, and I’m actually really looking forward to the game. I can’t wait for the game tomorrow.
“You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had and what’s going on, but I really can’t wait for the game tomorrow, and that’s all I’m focused on. Whatever happens is going to happen after that in whatever direction it goes in, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow night first.”
United return to Old Trafford on Tuesday for the first time since the team was booed off after the dismal 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
While Carrick was applauded by supporters, the atmosphere changed once he disappeared down the tunnel and only the players were left on the pitch.
Kobbie Mainoo said he understands fans’ frustration about how the season has started and admitted the squad need to give them something to shout about against Roma.
“In these tough times you can’t expect the fans 100,000% of the time to be happy and cheering when we’re not putting out results, you know,” Mainoo said.
“We owe it to them to put the results out there for them to cheer again.”
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