Michael Carrick has made it clear that Lisandro Martinez is the player he values most in the Manchester United squad, judging by his first two games in charge.
Lisandro Martinez has been partnering Harry Maguire at centre-back under Michael Carrick’s new setup for Manchester United. The pair were also trusted to see out the full 90 minutes of a big 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Argentina’s Martinez was involved in the opening goal for Arsenal during United’s Premier League match at the Emirates last Sunday. But despite that early mistake, he still put in a solid performance overall, helping United come from behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Lisandro Martinez’s role stands out as Michael Carrick imprints his identity at Manchester United
Lisandro Martinez has praised Michael Carrick for the influence he has already had on the squad since taking over at Old Trafford.
The interim boss spoke to the media from Carrington on Friday afternoon, ahead of Manchester United’s return to Premier League action on Sunday.
He pointed to Martinez as a good example of what he wants his team to represent.
“You have got to play with feeling, emotion, excitement,” he said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“It is something we speak about. The tactical and technical side is one thing, but what we have just touched on is totally something else.
“The boys have been there in training and in games, meetings and everything around the place. They have been there in everything we have asked of them, with everything we have asked.”
Lisandro Martinez ticks all the boxes for what Michael Carrick wants from his Manchester United squad
Carrick has made it clear that Martinez embodies the standards he expects from his players, both in training and on matchdays.
“Licha has epitomised that with how he has gone about every day and certainly in the games,” he said.
“We are aware [of] what it has taken to have the couple of weeks we have had. A couple of weeks is a couple of weeks; it is good, but it is two weeks,” Carrick continued.
“We are definitely aware [that] it is something we need to extend for longer. We need to respect the game, what it takes to win games, how hard it is and how good a team Fulham are.
“That is definitely at the forefront of our minds.”
United currently sit fourth in the Premier League table after back-to-back wins over Manchester City and Arsenal under Carrick’s guidance.
The Red Devils host Fulham next at Old Trafford, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm UK time on Sunday afternoon.
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