Sir Jim Ratcliffe and at least one of the Glazer family were at Manchester United's Carrington training base on Thursday to offer support to interim manager Michael Carrick ahead of Saturday's derby against Manchester City.
The visit came as United's executive committee meeting was relocated to Carrington to allow senior figures to speak directly with Carrick, who has taken charge for the second time on an interim basis. The committee includes chief executive Omar Berrada and chief financial officer Roger Bell, alongside Ratcliffe and the Glazers.
Carrick, 44, who conducted his first training session on Wednesday, expressed confidence ahead of facing City. “The big games, the important games, are what we all live for,” he told United's in-house media. With 17 league games remaining and European qualification the only target, Carrick said: “There is a lot of talent here. And there are a good number of younger players as well, finding their way.”
Meanwhile, defender Lisandro Martínez revealed he considered retiring after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last February. “After the first two or three weeks, to tell you the truth, I didn’t want to play football any more,” the 27-year-old told AFA Estudio. “The easy way is to throw in the towel … but in the face of adversity, that’s when you show your true personality.”
Martínez, who returned in late November, said support from family, physios and a psychologist helped him emerge feeling “physically and mentally better than ever”.
