Michael Carrick had the chance to make a statement of intent at Monday's press conference, but his response to a question about Lisandro Martinez lacked the conviction Manchester United desperately need right now.

Martinez will miss this weekend's must-win clash with Aston Villa after picking up two yellow cards in the space of 83 seconds at Chelsea.

The 28-year-old defender, who called out United's hierarchy after their Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid last month, was ignored by Carrick as he walked off the pitch.

But when the moment called for a show of authority, Carrick's response in his latest press conference lacked the ruthlessness needed from a coach to inspire a turnaround at Old Trafford.

"No, I've got no concerns about commitment at all," he said when asked about Martinez.

"Things happen in football. Sometimes you do things, sometimes you make a decision, sometimes you make mistakes. But the commitment is not an issue for sure."

Carrick added: "I've said it before, the commitment of the players to the club, to me, to each other is something I don't question at all. We need to play better, we can make better decisions, but commitment's not a thing at all."

Manchester United to hold talks with Lisandro Martinez as clubs linked with move

United chiefs are planning to hold discussions with Martinez over his attitude, performances, future and contract situation, according to a report from the Manchester Evening News.

Martinez, who is in the final year of his deal at Old Trafford, is attracting interest from a host of clubs, including Champions League opponents Roma and Como.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring his situation, according to AS.

Argentina teammate Cristian Romero, who joined Atletico from Tottenham in the summer, recently named Martinez as the player he'd most like to see join him at the Spanish club.

Given everything that has happened this season, Martinez appears likely to leave United next summer, although the club have an option to extend his contract until 2028.

Fabrizio Romano delivered an update on Martinez's future in his latest video on YouTube.

"It is not an easy moment for Lisandro Martínez in general," he said. "His contract runs until June 2027, meaning the end of this season. Man Utd have a club option to extend his contract until 2028, ensuring they do not lose any value in terms of the player’s valuation."