Michael Carrick addresses Lisandro Martinez commitment concerns amid Man Utd contract talk

Carrick defended Martinez's commitment after the defender's red card against Chelsea and recent criticism of the club's recruitment.

Michael Carrick has backed Lisandro Martinez despite the defender's recent struggles and disciplinary issues. Martinez was sent off at Chelsea for elbowing Wesley Fofana, earning a second yellow card and a suspension for Sunday's match against Aston Villa. The incident came after a series of errors that have cost Manchester United goals in recent weeks, and follows Martinez's public criticism of sporting director Jason Wilcox over the club's recruitment following the loss to Atletico Madrid.

Carrick insisted he has no doubts about Martinez's commitment to the club, saying mistakes happen in football but the player's attitude is not in question. The manager also dismissed concerns about squad discipline after captain Bruno Fernandes gave a critical post-match interview following the 4-1 defeat to Como, stating the dressing room remains a positive environment.

Martinez is out of contract in the summer, though United hold an option to extend for another year. United face Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Carrick saying he cannot wait for the match despite the club's recent poor form.