THE “GHOSTS” OF CARRINGTON: Mount and Martinez Absences Spark Fury as Carrick Admits Setbacks Ahead of Villa Clash
CARRINGTON — Patience has officially run thin at Old Trafford. Following a midweek training session where both Mason Mount and Lisandro Martínez were notably absent yet again, the Manchester United fanbase has reached a boiling point. Despite Michael Carrick’s initial optimism that both were “getting closer,” the reality on the grass suggests a much grimmer timeline.
The timing couldn’t be worse. As United prepare for a massive Champions League “six-pointer” against Aston Villa this Sunday at 14:00 GMT, the news of further setbacks for two of the club’s most expensive recent signings has reignited the debate over their long-term futures under the INEOS regime.
1. The “Mount Mystery” Deepens
Mason Mount has not featured for United since a late cameo in the Manchester derby back in January. While Michael Carrick told the press on February 1 that the midfielder had suffered a “minor knock” and would be back “very, very soon,” it has now been six weeks without a single minute of football.
The Training Truth: Reports from Samuel Luckhurst confirm there was no sign of Mount in midweek group training.
The Carrick Update: In today’s pre-match press conference, Carrick admitted: “Mason is back with the group, but he’s only trained a very small amount of time. We’ll see if he’s involved on Sunday, but he is not 100%.” * The Verdict: Many fans are calling the £55m signing a “fitness liability,” with rumors already circulating that Aston Villa and Fulham are monitoring his situation for a potential summer exit.
2. “Licha” and the Calf Crisis
The situation with Lisandro Martínez is arguably more concerning for United’s defensive stability. After playing nine successive games following his ACL recovery, the “Butcher” has now missed three weeks with a calf injury that was originally described as “precautionary.”
The Setback: Martínez has reportedly suffered a “minor setback” in his recovery this week. He is officially ruled out of the Villa game and is now targeting the Bournemouth clash on March 20.
The Gap: His absence has forced Carrick to rely on a makeshift pairing of Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro. While Yoro is improving, the lack of Martínez’s progressive passing was painfully evident in the recent 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.
3. “Sell Them in the Next Window”
The frustration among supporters isn’t just about the current injuries—it’s about the patterns.
Mount’s Record: Since joining from Chelsea, Mount has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch, leading to calls for United to “cut their losses” and use the funds for the £230m summer overhaul.
The INEOS Stance: While Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued a “hands-off” warning to Premier League rivals regarding certain stars, the mounting medical bills for Mount and Martínez are reportedly making the board reconsider their “unsellable” status.
4. Team News: The “Villa” Battle Plan
With Mount a “major doubt” and Martínez out, Carrick’s squad for Sunday looks thin:
The Boost: Noussair Mazraoui has returned to training and is expected to start at right-back.
The Kids: 18-year-old centre-back Albert Mills has been promoted to first-team training to provide cover.
The Shadow: Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back problem and isn’t expected back until mid-April.
Is it time to be ruthless? Should United sell Mount and Martinez to fund the move for Carlos Baleba and Yan Diomande, or do they deserve one last season under a permanent manager?
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