Lisandro Martinez will return to Manchester United’s squad against Leeds at Old Trafford on Monday night, but head coach Michael Carrick won’t say if the Argentine will start in place of the suspended Harry Maguire.
Martinez hasn’t played in more than two months since suffering a calf injury, but he came through United’s training camp in Ireland this week without any problems.
The 28-year-old is an obvious replacement for Maguire who serves a one-match ban for his sending-off at Bournemouth last time out, and could see the suspension extended if he is found guilty of improper conduct towards fourth official Matt Donohue at the Vitality Stadium.
However, Carrick also has the choice of playing Ayden Heaven alongside Leny Yoro in central defence, and is still weighing up his options. ‘It’s just that call that we make,’ said the United boss. ‘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.’
Matthijs De Ligt would have been another ideal replacement for Maguire, but the Dutchman is still some way off his comeback after four-and-a-half months out with a back injury. De Ligt didn’t take part in the four-day camp outside Dublin, instead staying at Carrington to continue his rehab.
‘He obviously wasn’t there,’ added Carrick, who has previously admitted there is no guarantee De Ligt will play again this season. ‘The reason he didn’t come, he’s not quite on the grass. Patrick (Dorgu) 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.’
Maguire’s sending-off at Bournemouth was part of a rollercoaster few weeks in which he was recalled to the England squad and also signed a new contract at United.
Carrick confirmed that he was involved in the decision process to offer the 33-year-old a new deal even though it has not been confirmed that he will still be in charge next season.
‘Certainly in the role I’m in, there’s them decisions you need taking care of,’ said Carrick. ‘Whatever that looks like moving forward, I’m part of that, and trying to improve things and make things better all the time.
‘There are conversations in different directions and different things that I’m definitely part of. I think it should be that way anyway, because things need to be done. So I’m here to take care of that.’
