Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says he won’t be pushed into picking Lisandro Martinez against Leeds on Monday, even though the alternative is pairing two very young central defenders at Old Trafford.
Carrick knows Harry Maguire will miss the game with what could yet turn into a two-match ban, while Matthijs de Ligt remains absent with a back complaint that prevented him from being part of the squad that travelled to the Republic of Ireland earlier this week.
Martinez was in Maynooth as he closes in on a return after two months out with a calf complaint.
But, even though it would mean 19-year-old Ayden Heaven being paired with 20-year-old Leny Yoro to face Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Carrick refused to commit to starting Martinez.
“It’s the call that we make,” said Carrick. “We wouldn’t be pushed into anything.
“He’s back training, back on the grass, which is great. It’s important the boys are ready.
“But as important as the next game always is, the most important thing is the bigger picture.”
