According to a report by Evening Standard on Friday, October 16, 2026, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is expected to include Lisandro Martinez in his starting lineup for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leeds United at Elland Road, following the defender’s recent controversy.

Martinez attracted attention after criticising Manchester United’s hierarchy and questioning the team’s performances following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. The Argentina international subsequently apologised for his remarks and is available for selection against Leeds.

Carrick confirmed that the issue had been resolved within the squad, insisting that the players had moved forward and remained focused on their upcoming fixture.

The United manager expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere in training, highlighting the team’s togetherness despite their recent results. His comments suggest Martinez remains in contention as the Red Devils seek to end their disappointing run of form.

In midfield, Bruno Fernandes could return to his preferred attacking role after being deployed on the right wing against Atletico Madrid. The change could see Youri Tielemans drop to the bench, with Carlos Baleba and Kobbie Mainoo potentially forming the central midfield partnership if Mainoo recovers from the knock that ruled him out of the midweek encounter.

Further forward, Bryan Mbeumo could move to the right flank after operating centrally in United’s two matches since the international break. His positional adjustment would create an opportunity for Matheus Cunha to return to the starting lineup after remaining an unused substitute against Atletico Madrid.

United could also benefit from Noussair Mazraoui’s return to training. The defender missed the matches against Tottenham and Atletico Madrid after sustaining an injury while representing Morocco, but his recovery offers Carrick another option as he attempts to address his defensive concerns.

Luke Shaw’s availability remains uncertain because of a thigh problem, while Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton remain sidelined with injuries.

Manchester United will travel to Elland Road looking to end a run of five consecutive matches without a victory across all competitions. The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 2pm BST on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with Sky Sports set to broadcast the match.

Manchester United predicted starting XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Baleba, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; [striker to be confirmed].

Doubts: Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui.

Injured: Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton.