Manchester United news as Michael Carrick addresses the attitude of one of his players
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick is continuing to fight for his Manchester United future(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)
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Manchester United's torrid season rolls on with a Champions League encounter against Roma. Following Michael Carrick's reprieve after the home defeat to Bournemouth, United endured another Premier League setback on Saturday, falling 2-0 at Chelsea, where Lisandro Martinez was dismissed.
The outcome left United hovering just above the drop zone on goal difference and staring at a possible relegation scrap. Quite how much longer Carrick remains in post is uncertain, but good results against Roma on Tuesday and Aston Villa on Sunday would help shift some of the negativity surrounding the club.
Roma will arrive at Old Trafford brimming with confidence following a superb start to their Serie A season, which has them sitting third in the standings and undefeated after 10 games. In the Champions League, the Italian outfit have collected four points from three outings compared to United's three points following consecutive losses to Atletico Madrid and Como.
Before another pivotal fixture for Carrick and United, here's a summary of the latest developments from Old Trafford...
'Contact made' with wonderkid
United have reportedly reached out to Lennart Karl's representatives as the teenager continues to turn heads at Bayern Munich. The attacking midfielder, 18, has already racked up more than 50 appearances for Bayern and has been capped at senior level by Germany.
However, recent remarks by Bayern's honorary president, Uli Hoeness, have not been well received by Karl's agent, former Germany international Michael Ballack, sparking suggestions he may wish to leave the club.
Hoeness said: "He's far from being a superstar. Young players need humility. Comparisons with Michael Olise obviously don't do him any good. There's still a world of difference between them."
According to Bild, those comments have caused 'unrest' and put United, Liverpool and Arsenal on alert regarding his potential availability. The trio are also said to have contacted Karl to discuss his circumstances. Notably, the same report suggests that Karl could be available for as little as £50million. The youngster's contract runs until 2029.
Lennart Karl of Bayern Munich
Lennart Karl isn't entirely happy with Bayern Munich, according to reports in Germany(Image: Getty Images)
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Carrick defends Martinez
Carrick insists he has no grounds to doubt Martinez's dedication despite his recent remarks and displays. Having criticised director of football Jason Wilcox last month, the Argentine received his marching orders against Chelsea for two bookings, one for lashing out at Morgan Rogers and another for catching Wesley Fofana with a stray arm.
Martinez is out of contract in the summer and, as matters stand, it would be no shock if he departs the club. But Carrick does not believe the 28-year-old has become a liability.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United leaves the pitch after receiving a red card during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Lisandro Martinez's United future is up in the air(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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He said: "No, I've got no concerns about commitment at all. Things happen in football. Sometimes you do things, sometimes you make a decision, sometimes you make mistakes. But the commitment is not an issue for sure.
"I've said it before, the commitment of the players to the club, to me, to each other is something I don't question at all. We need to play better, we can make better decisions, but commitment's not a thing at all."
Carrick also confirmed there was nothing new to report regarding potential contract extensions for Martinez and Bruno Fernandes, both of whom will be allowed to hold talks with non-English clubs in January.