Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Leeds United presents Michael Carrick with one of his most delicate tactical choices since taking charge. The question of whether to start Lisandro Martinez—his World Cup-winning partner in 2022—against a side that has already exposed United’s defensive vulnerabilities this season is not merely about fitness. It is a test of leadership, a reckoning with the club’s recent history, and a moment where Carrick’s approach to management will be judged as harshly as his results.
Martinez’s absence from Sunday’s draw with Everton was not a surprise, but it was a reminder of the fragility of United’s defensive structure. His injury, though not serious, has left a void at the heart of the backline, a role he has filled with authority since joining from Benfica in 2022. The Argentine’s partnership with Harry Maguire—once derided as a liability—has become the cornerstone of United’s defensive stability under Carrick. In five games since his appointment, the duo has kept two clean sheets, a stark contrast to the chaos that defined the final months of Erik ten Hag’s reign. Yet, the pressure to include Martinez, a fan favorite and a symbol of United’s recent resurgence, is immense. Insiders familiar with the club’s inner workings have made it clear: *he should not start against Leeds.*
The reasoning is pragmatic. Leeds, under Marcelo Bielsa, have already dismantled United’s defensive shape in pre-season, exposing gaps that Carrick’s side has struggled to close. Maguire’s experience and consistency make him the safer option, but the decision to bench Martinez—even temporarily—risks alienating a player whose loyalty to the club has been unwavering. His contract, set to expire in 2027, has already sparked speculation about his future, and Carrick’s handling of the situation could either solidify his place at Old Trafford or accelerate his departure. The fact that Carrick himself has acknowledged the emotional weight of Martinez’s role—praising his impact on the dressing room—only heightens the stakes. To leave him on the bench against a team that has already tested United’s defenses would be seen as a betrayal by some, a tactical necessity by others.
What is undeniable is that United’s defensive project remains unfinished. Since the summer of 2022, the club has spent £219.7 million on defenders, yet the starting back four could still be the same quartet that lined up four years ago against Aston Villa. Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot have only played together 10 times in four seasons—a statistic that underscores the instability at the heart of United’s defense. Carrick’s challenge is to balance the need for continuity with the imperative to evolve. If he starts Maguire and Shaw again, it will signal that the club’s defensive identity is still being defined, not yet set in stone. But if he includes Martinez, he risks exposing a vulnerability that Leeds could exploit with their relentless pressing.
The broader implications extend beyond this weekend’s match. Carrick’s tenure has been defined by a return to tradition—Maguire’s leadership, the tactical discipline of his youth team days—but also by a willingness to embrace change. His 2-0 derby win over Manchester City and the shock 3-2 defeat of Arsenal in London have shown that United can compete at the highest level. Yet, the Leeds game will test whether his approach is sustainable. If he starts Martinez, it will be a statement of faith in the Argentine’s recovery and a nod to the club’s history. If he does not, it will be a pragmatic acknowledgment that United’s defensive project is still in its infancy. Either way, the decision will shape the narrative of his first full season in charge—and the future of one of football’s most storied but troubled franchises.
