Manchester United's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and members of the Glazer family made a significant show of support on Thursday, visiting the club's Carrington training base to meet with interim manager Michael Carrick.
Executive Meeting Moved to Show Solidarity
The high-level visit came just two days before United's crucial Premier League clash with rivals Manchester City. The club's executive committee had originally planned to meet at a separate location, but the gathering was relocated to Carrington specifically so the leadership could speak directly with Carrick. This marks the first game of the 44-year-old's second spell as caretaker manager.
Ratcliffe, whose INEOS group recently acquired a significant minority stake, and the six Glazer siblings, who remain majority owners, were represented. It is understood that at least one of the brothers, Avram or Joel Glazer, was present at the training complex. Other senior figures in attendance included incoming chief executive Omar Berrada and chief financial officer Roger Bell.
Carrick Confident Ahead of City Challenge
Carrick, who took only his second training session since his appointment on Thursday, expressed his relish for the high-stakes derby fixture. Speaking to the club's in-house media, he stated, "The big games, the important games, are what we all live for."
With United already eliminated from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and not involved in European competition, Carrick's primary task across his 17 remaining league games is to secure qualification for continental football next season. Currently sitting seventh in the table, he struck an optimistic note about the squad at his disposal: "There is a lot of talent here. And there are a good number of younger players as well, finding their way."
Martínez's Candid Admission on Injury Struggle
In other news, defender Lisandro Martínez has given a frank interview about the mental toll of his serious knee injury. The Argentine, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture last February and only returned to action in late November, revealed he briefly considered retiring from football.
"After the first two or three weeks, to tell you the truth, I didn't want to play football any more," Martínez told AFA Estudio. He explained that coming so soon after a previous foot fracture, the knee injury led him to think, "I don't want to know anything else."
The 27-year-old credited his support network for helping him through the recovery. "The easy way is to throw in the towel and that's it. I always say that in the face of adversity, that's when you show your true personality." After what he described as a "constant struggle," aided by family, friends, physiotherapists, and a psychologist, Martínez claims he now feels better than ever, both physically and mentally.
