The Argentina international has been handed the armband in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, who misses the game at Ulker Stadium through suspension, after being sent off in our last European outing, in Porto.
Casemiro, who has deputised for Fernandes when he has not been on the pitch this season, starts as a substitute in Istanbul.
Martinez is making his 70th United appearance but it is the first time the tenacious defender has led the team out in a competitive fixture.
As far as we can see, Licha hasn't skippered any of his previous clubs - Newell's Old Boys and Defensa y Justicia in his homeland, and Ajax - either.