Manchester United return to Premier League action on Monday when they play Leeds - and Michael Carrick has a decision to make in central defence, with Harry Maguire suspended
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has Lisandro Martinez back fit(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez could return from injury to replace the suspended Harry Maguire against Leeds. United return to action after 24 days on Monday but will be without Maguire after he was sent off in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
Martinez has missed the last five United games with a calf injury and has not played since the 1-1 draw against West Ham on February 10. But he travelled with the United squad for their four-day training camp in Ireland this week and is ready to replace Maguire, if Carrick makes the call.
"It's just that call that we make," Carrick said. "We wouldn't be pushed into anything. I think it's important that the boys are ready.
"So that's a decision that we'll take. He's back training, which is great, and back on the grass. But we've certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he's ready."
United are still without Matthijs de Ligt, leaving Martinez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as the only two available centre-backs for the Leeds game. Maguire received a one-match suspension for giving away a penalty in the draw at Bournemouth, but could still see that extended if found guilty of improper conduct towards fourth official Matt Donohue.
Patrick Dorgu has also been on the sidelines since the 3-2 away win at Arsenal on January 25. He travelled to Ireland, but is not yet in a position to return from his hamstring injury.
De Ligt has been absent since the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on November 30 due to a frustrating back injury. And the Netherlands international may not play again this season.
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez trained with the squad in Ireland(Image: Getty Images)
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"He obviously wasn't there (in Ireland)," Carrick said. "The reason he didn't come, he's not quite on the grass. Patrick came with us and Pat's at that stage a little bit further on. Matta's not quite at that stage yet, so it was important for him to continue his rehab really and try and get him back.
"It's different treatment and different exercises. He's in the gym and doing work but he's not quite on the grass and he's not ready for that yet. That's the process that unfortunately when you're injured you’ve to go through. Sometimes it happens quick quicker than others and sometimes there's things that don't quite go to plan and it's a bit slower.
"He's just at that stage where he's working through that at the moment and we're trying to get him back right."
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