Journo: Carrick’s line-up decision tonight proves it’s the ‘beginning of the end’ for one Man Utd man

Lisandro Martinez has been dropped from Manchester United’s starting XI tonight against AS Roma.

20-year-old Ayden Heaven starts in place of the Argentine for the visit of the Serie A outfit.

Lisandro Martinez: The state of play

Reacting at Old Trafford before kick-off, former Red Ashley Young said of Martinez: “If I was the manager at the club or if I was one of the owners, I’d be looking at January and saying, ‘get him out now’. Just get rid of him. Because he’s not bringing anything to the football club.”

It comes after the 2022 World Cup winner was shown two yellow cards for reckless challenges during Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea.

Michael Carrick did not acknowledge his defender as he traipsed off the pitch and down the tunnel at Stamford Bridge, but did assure reporters that he has no concerns over the player’s ‘commitment’ in the aftermath of the calamitous display.

United being urged to cut ties with Martinez

Martinez recorded the lowest WhoScored rating of his entire club career after his sending off, which also confirmed that he would be suspended for Sunday’s contest at home to Aston Villa.

Speculation in recent days has suggested that the 28-year-old has agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid ahead of a potential 2027 move.

He is out of contract next June, though United can activate a 12-month option to prevent him leaving as a free agent. Alternatively, the board may look to cash in mid-season and bring in a replacement before a full defensive revamp at the end of the campaign.

Samuel Luckhurst said of the situation: “The beginning of the end is well underway for Martinez at MUFC. They have to try and sell in January or release him in the summer. But Heaven has got to up his game tonight. Four starts this season and four defeats. The die was cast for United’s season when he started at Hull [City].”