Jamie Carragher slams “awful” Manchester United star as Fabrizio Romano provides his transfer latest

Jamie Carragher has branded one of Manchester United’s players as “awful” against Newcastle United as Fabrizio Romano provides the latest on his transfer future.

Manchester United fell to another embarrassing defeat as Rúben Amorim’s men were thoroughly embarrassed by Newcastle United in a 2-0 win for the visiting team at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

With Joshua Zirkzee starting as an attacking midfielder and both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte unavailable due to suspension, the tie started with United attempting to play on the front foot, although they were undone by Alexander Isak, who scored after just four minutes.

Joelinton then doubled the visitors’ lead after 20 minutes with a second header of the evening for Newcastle, with Amorim reacting by replacing Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo after just 33 minutes.

In the second half, United started playing with more gusto, with the club finally creating half-decent attacking chances with Harry Maguire coming close as a headed effort rocketed against the post.

However, despite United’s push, Newcastle continued to hold out for their clean sheet, eventually coming away with a 2-0 win during the final Premier League game of 2024.

Carragher slams “awful” Martínez vs Newcastle

Speaking at half-time as he reviewed Newcastle’s first two goals, he highlighted LIsandro Martínez as a player who was particularly “awful” on Monday evening.

Carragher said on Sky Sports: “Martinez has been awful. He has been caught out more in a back three than he was in a four.”

Carraher went on to explain that the Argentina international failed to be aggressive enough for both of the first-half goals, as he was in prime positions to spot the danger.

Continuing after full-time, Carragher said further of Martínez: “I actually thought the perfect system would be a back three. When he’d have the security of two bigger players here, and he could come out with the ball on his left foot.

“He looks worse in a back three. Or he certainly looks worse under Rúben Amorim.”

Martínez, who captained United on the night, went on to play 65 minutes before being replaced by Leny Yoro, receiving a yellow card minutes prior and earning a 1/10 rating on the night.

Romano provides latest on Martínez’s future

With United in clear turmoil and a lot of pressure existing on the club’s defenders after their poor colelctive displays, many are wondering how radical the club will become with respect to selling their players.

Martínez has been surprisingly poor since Amorim came in, with some fans putting forward the idea that the club should cut their losses before his bad performances decreases his value.

However, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United have no intention of letting Martínez go in January.

The Italian journalist explained that the situation was completely “under control” at United and that there are no discussions at the club regarding any kind of exit.

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